Working up to the olympic bar - squat question

Dziasmith

I just started Stronglifts and today used 25 lbs as my weight for the A workout. I used a bar typically used for Bodypump for all exercises except squat, where I used a single dumbbell. I was a bit leery of lifting the bar over and behind me for squat after checking out the squat rack. Am I just being too careful? I would much prefer using a bar over a dumbbell. Of course Thursday I will be up to 30 lb

AABru

Are you concerned that you are going to hurt yourself? I'm not sure what the concern is? Do you not have a squat rack? Or just never used one previously?

Dziasmith

Yes, the bar is not wide enough to fit the squat rack at my gym. That is why I have been using dumbbells. It won't be too long until I work my way up at least.

grandevampire

Yes, the bar is not wide enough to fit the squat rack at my gym. That is why I have been using dumbbells. It won't be too long until I work my way up at least.

I don't think it's the best idea to lift the bar over your head and onto your back... Have you tried the Olympic bar yet? You might find you can do it. Otherwise, if you really don't feel up to trying yet, you can use a dumbbell and do goblet squats instead of low-bar squats.

Dziasmith

Thanks! I just had that conversation with my hubby. I'd like for him to be there the first time I try the bar, which will likely be over the weekend. I am guessing I can do it but it just felt awkward when I somewhat attempted it last weekend. I am guessing I mostly need help getting acclimated with the squat rack and the overall length of the bar instead of the weight.

rlw911

I was intimidated by the squat rack and Olympic bar, too. I joined the gym and got 3 sessions with a trainer, to help me work on form. Before we worked on squats, I got my hubby to go over to the rack with me,.just to see if I could lift it and quickly found out, he knew less than me! I learned a few things from that, though. I learned where NOT to put the bar, that my arms/shoulders weren't very flexible and that I could lift the bar. After that, I did a lot of reading on proper form and watched a lot of YouTube videos. I practice bodyweight squats every day and do stretching exercises for my arms. (I sit hunched over a computer all day, which is why my arms/shoulders are tight.) Anyway, long story short, I'm not afraid of the squat rack anymore! I finished my PT sessions and officially started SL Sunday. I'm sure once you gain confidence in your form and find out you can lift the bar, you'll do great!

I still had a tiny "fear" of the bench press, so I had hubby come over to the bench with me and I was able to press.the bar, so I'm actually looking forward to my next workout!