Barbell

Just started using the barbell doing squats, rows and overhead. I find it so heavy as all i can manage is 15kg squat, 5kg overhead and 10kg row. On top of this our bar is only 9kg. I must be weak right?

Replies

  • plm209
    plm209 Posts: 222 Member
    Not weak, just a beginner. Everyone has to start somewhere! Arnold didn't just wake up one day looking like that, years and years of work go into building the body you want. One day at a time and don't get discouraged!
  • katro111
    katro111 Posts: 632 Member
    Everyone has to start somewhere!
    ^^ This! Don't be discouraged - just keep at it and you'll make progress. :smile: Are you doing the StrongLifts 5x5 program by chance or considering it? If so, check out this group:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/4618-stronglifts-5x5-for-women
  • kateangel2312
    kateangel2312 Posts: 242 Member
    yes read into stronglifts ive always done 3x10, i just need to break the habit
  • ythannah
    ythannah Posts: 4,371 Member
    It's all about progression.

    If it makes you feel any better, I was squeaking out the same 7 reps (that's TOTAL) on my puny 20 lb OHP for 5 or 6 months before I had to abandon all arm work due to rotator cuff injury (unrelated). And by the last couple of reps my back was arching so badly trying to get that weight up I knew I was risking injury, so I didn't attempt to increase. My upper body strength is dismal. :ohwell:
  • kateangel2312
    kateangel2312 Posts: 242 Member
    o dear, injury is bad:grumble:
  • quellybelly
    quellybelly Posts: 827 Member
    Not weak, just a beginner. Everyone has to start somewhere! Arnold didn't just wake up one day looking like that, years and years of work go into building the body you want. One day at a time and don't get discouraged!

    ^ this! :) I started off with the empty bar for everything and now I can squat and deadlift more than my body weight!

    ETA: My other lifts have increased too, but saying I can lift more than my body weight is more impressive haha
  • trybefan
    trybefan Posts: 488 Member
    Congrats on even starting to use a barbell! It can be very intimidating. Just keep pushing and gradually add weight, before too long you will be posting some badass numbers!

    You go!
  • ythannah
    ythannah Posts: 4,371 Member
    o dear, injury is bad:grumble:

    Just to be clear, I did not injure the shoulder lifting. That was from shovelling snow!
  • kateangel2312
    kateangel2312 Posts: 242 Member
    Great advice B-)