"Lifting barbells is bad for you"
notfunnymom
Posts: 8 Member
This is what a trainer I just met told me. According to him lifting weights is terrible for you because it puts too much pressure on the spine, he also asked me why i was squatting below 90 degrees. I told him because I can. He only believes in those stupid TRX exercises and bodyweight. Needless to say I will not be returning for a second session. Are squats, deadlifts, etc so terrible for a beginner? And should I work my way up to them and start with machines or dumbbells. Advice?
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Replies
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I agree with the 90 degrees. Body weight exercises are very effective and to be used ALONG WITH weight training. Other than that...good choice on not going back. I will say that it is very important as a beginner to learn proper form when lifting.5
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It's not a bad idea to start with dumbbells, but if your form is correct for squats and deadlifts there is no reason to regress. I would avoid machines. As for squatting below parallel it depends on the person, their join mechanics, and their goals. It's far from off limits and many people can do it with no additional risk.1
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I've been told a lot over the years that as a woman, or as someone who is overweight, or tall, or brunette, or a million other reasons, that I should not barbell lift. But I powerlift now, I worked with a trainer for a while to get my form perfect before upping weights, and now I am looking to compete in the next year or so, regardless of my height, weight, gender, hair color etc. I really don't know why the prevalent opinion is that barbells are bad news. Yes, they can exacerbate issues if you do things wrong, go too heavy too fast, whatever, but that can happen with dumbbells too. SO go with what makes you happy, what makes you feel good, just be mindful.5
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I find it hard/awkward to stop at 90%. Getting low has never been a problem for me. It's getting back up, lol. Anyway, like usmcmp said, if you can do the exercises with good form all is well. I do think that bodyweight and dumbbell exercises are overlooked when they could be better options for some people. But barbells are fine.2
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I'm all for TRX and bodyweight , but im also all for weights and obviously the barbell. Every trainer is gonna be different, find one that you click with and specializes in what you enjoy. When done correctly, barbell lifts are very safe and i believe they are good for our bodies
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I don't like the advice. But will challenge you on the "TRX is stupid". You can use the TRX for so many things, strength, stretch, balance! It's awesome!3
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Trx is a fine tool. It's extremely useful. It's far from stupid.
Being said the trainer sounds like he is very niche and doesn't get out much and is new to the game. I'd hard pass. He seems to quick to pass judgement on things in favor of promoting his one style of training.5 -
Anyone who makes the claim "Lifting barbells is bad for you" has shown in a single sentence how little they know about fitness, training, and health - and that you can safely ignore whatever input they have entirely on those subjects.15
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CipherZero wrote: »Anyone who makes the claim "Lifting barbells is bad for you" has shown in a single sentence how little they know about fitness, training, and health - and that you can safely ignore whatever input they have entirely on those subjects.
/thread6 -
CipherZero wrote: »Anyone who makes the claim "Lifting barbells is bad for you" has shown in a single sentence how little they know about fitness, training, and health - and that you can safely ignore whatever input they have entirely on those subjects.
On the positive side, at least he showed his knowledge up front rather than 6 months or a year down the road.9 -
musclesandmusic866 wrote: »I agree with the 90 degrees. Body weight exercises are very effective and to be used ALONG WITH weight training. Other than that...good choice on not going back. I will say that it is very important as a beginner to learn proper form when lifting.
I 100 % agree that form is everything.2 -
I find it hard/awkward to stop at 90%. Getting low has never been a problem for me. It's getting back up, lol. Anyway, like usmcmp said, if you can do the exercises with good form all is well. I do think that bodyweight and dumbbell exercises are overlooked when they could be better options for some people. But barbells are fine.
It's just natural for me to go below 90 degrees. He was adamant that it's not safe though. Oh well, not going back.0 -
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Trx is a fine tool. It's extremely useful. It's far from stupid.
Being said the trainer sounds like he is very niche and doesn't get out much and is new to the game. I'd hard pass. He seems to quick to pass judgement on things in favor of promoting his one style of training.
He did seem very judgemental and "my way is the only way" kinda person.0 -
notfunnymom wrote: »musclesandmusic866 wrote: »I agree with the 90 degrees. Body weight exercises are very effective and to be used ALONG WITH weight training. Other than that...good choice on not going back. I will say that it is very important as a beginner to learn proper form when lifting.
I 100 % agree that form is everything.
Learning how to focus in on the exact muscle you are working using perfect form is part of the challenge. Arnold talked about guys who are in the profession who cant quite get to the top of their game because they never learned how to really focus in on the muscle. It's not easy to do and I would say I am only effective at doing it 60% of the time. Part of it is an inability to check the ego at the door. Work smarter not harder.1 -
notfunnymom wrote: »He only believes in those stupid TRX exercises and bodyweight. Needless to say I will not be returning for a second session. Are squats, deadlifts, etc so terrible for a beginner?
Sounds like you've already made up your mind, yes?1 -
Cherimoose wrote: »notfunnymom wrote: »He only believes in those stupid TRX exercises and bodyweight. Needless to say I will not be returning for a second session. Are squats, deadlifts, etc so terrible for a beginner?
Sounds like you've already made up your mind, yes?
Pretty much! Monday I'm meeting a new trainer and hopefully we click!1 -
CipherZero wrote: »Anyone who makes the claim "Lifting barbells is bad for you" has shown in a single sentence how little they know about fitness, training, and health - and that you can safely ignore whatever input they have entirely on those subjects.
On the positive side, at least he showed his knowledge up front rather than 6 months or a year down the road.
Or worse, charging actual money for his 'advice'.1 -
notfunnymom wrote: »I find it hard/awkward to stop at 90%. Getting low has never been a problem for me. It's getting back up, lol. Anyway, like usmcmp said, if you can do the exercises with good form all is well. I do think that bodyweight and dumbbell exercises are overlooked when they could be better options for some people. But barbells are fine.
It's just natural for me to go below 90 degrees. He was adamant that it's not safe though. Oh well, not going back.
Lol wuut. Use it ir lose it! When you're older your body will love you for going full ROM! If you dont do full ROM you're body will lose the ability to sit as you get older lol.1 -
my favourite reason ever why it's 'bad' for you was overheard at the gym: 'you'll get shorter'.
it's got a certain mad logic to it, of course XD. probably why i enjoyed it so much.2 -
Good option. The trainer sounds insane. I'm sure they won't last long.
Squats and Deads if done correctly are one of the best movements you can do in a gym.0 -
canadianlbs wrote: »my favourite reason ever why it's 'bad' for you was overheard at the gym: 'you'll get shorter'.
it's got a certain mad logic to it, of course XD. probably why i enjoyed it so much.
:laugh:
That's okay. My husband is still taller.
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Get a new trainer first. Any exercise can be done by a beginner IF the form and resistance is correct. TRX and bodyweight exercises also have a place in any fitness regimen.notfunnymom wrote: »This is what a trainer I just met told me. According to him lifting weights is terrible for you because it puts too much pressure on the spine, he also asked me why i was squatting below 90 degrees. I told him because I can. He only believes in those stupid TRX exercises and bodyweight. Needless to say I will not be returning for a second session. Are squats, deadlifts, etc so terrible for a beginner? And should I work my way up to them and start with machines or dumbbells. Advice?
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Squats and deadlifts are the best exercises for a beginner. Beginners (and in my opinion everyone) should only focus on compound lifts. Fire the trainer. Just make sure your form is proper and the weights are not increased to much until form is spot on.1
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Many new clients of mine are beginners who are elderly and don't have the ability to do either squats or deadlifts safely right off the bat.jw_lefebvre wrote: »Squats and deadlifts are the best exercises for a beginner. Beginners (and in my opinion everyone) should only focus on compound lifts. Fire the trainer. Just make sure your form is proper and the weights are not increased to much until form is spot on.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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If nothing else, lifting weights helps one to maintain good bone density. The spine appreciates the stress of a heavy load.0
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cerise_noir wrote: »canadianlbs wrote: »my favourite reason ever why it's 'bad' for you was overheard at the gym: 'you'll get shorter'.
it's got a certain mad logic to it, of course XD. probably why i enjoyed it so much.
:laugh:
That's okay. My husband is still taller.
:laugh: i was eavesdropping on a 1:1 trainer session in a public space when i heard it and i just couldn't help myself. some poor 16-yo being ear-beaten by a superstitious grandmother, apparently. 20 minutes later i find the trainer had him on a 45-degree inverted slope for some thing or other and i said 'better watch out with that upside-down stuff or you'll GET TALL'.
only time i've ever seen that particular trainer dude laugh.
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Just want to say: "Those stupid TRX exercises and bodyweight..." Bodyweight exercises and suspension training are GREAT. Not knocking barbells at all. Barbells are great too. But Suspension training and bodyweight training are absolutely amazing, and can get you amazing results. It's how I got into the best shape of my life.4
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Ugh, *kitten* to grass.
Not sure why a trainer would not use all available resources to help people, much less to say they are bad for you.0 -
A 90 degree squat is sufficient unless you're doing powerlifting squats. A2G squats with lower weight are more stressful on the knees and don't really produce any significant benefit over a parallel squat. With that said, it's not very useful to have a trainer you don't click with. Hopefully the next one will be a much better fit for you.1
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