Squat question
TravelsWithHuckleberry
Posts: 955 Member
Hi Gals,
As some of you know, due to shoulder issues, my first time doing real live squats was Wednesday even though I've been doing SL5x5 for about seven weeks now. I was able to complete 5x5 @ 65 lbs.
They felt SUPER awkward, mostly due to my grip. My shoulder mobility means my grip is rather narrow, and it's definitely not comfortable yet. Not something I can change at the moment and I know I'll get there, so I'm not overly worried about that part of the equation. But because my brain was definitely in my arms, rather than in my legs or core, I do feel like my form wasn't great. In fact, I know it wasn't. And I definitely wasn't going low enough most of the time.
So, the question is -- do I drop the weight and just really concentrate on overall form (minus the arms), stay at 65 lbs. (not light for me) and work on form, or progress and work on form?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
Courtney
As some of you know, due to shoulder issues, my first time doing real live squats was Wednesday even though I've been doing SL5x5 for about seven weeks now. I was able to complete 5x5 @ 65 lbs.
They felt SUPER awkward, mostly due to my grip. My shoulder mobility means my grip is rather narrow, and it's definitely not comfortable yet. Not something I can change at the moment and I know I'll get there, so I'm not overly worried about that part of the equation. But because my brain was definitely in my arms, rather than in my legs or core, I do feel like my form wasn't great. In fact, I know it wasn't. And I definitely wasn't going low enough most of the time.
So, the question is -- do I drop the weight and just really concentrate on overall form (minus the arms), stay at 65 lbs. (not light for me) and work on form, or progress and work on form?
Thanks in advance for any and all advice.
Courtney
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Replies
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Work on form. It's one of the most important things.0
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Agree on the form. Better to focus on that and progress slowly on the load. 5 good squats at a lower weight will do more for you than 5 crappy squats at a higher weight. And even when you get to a higher weight, you may have to stick at that weight for awhile to get form. I think I've been at this for around 10 weeks now, and 120 lb is right around where my form goes to crap.0
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Form is always first. You break that and get hurt plus when it does get heavy you will have to do a major deload to get your form to where it should be. It takes a while to get it perfect, so don't expect to jump in and have it be perfect with first few times. You'll get there!0
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I agree with everyone else, form first. Deload down to the bar (even if it feels too easy), work on getting down low. If it is too difficult to maintin proper form with the barbell on your back, ditch the barbell. Work on getting low enough with your bodyweight first. Then you can try goblet squats or maybe even front squats to begin adding weight.
If it is a matter of you not sitting low enough because of being fixated on your arms and your shoulder not cooperating, get a broomstick/mop/golf club/or something similar just to get used to the feeling of where the bar needs to be on your back. Try playing around with your position-high bar/low bar and find where the bar will feel the best for you. Once you get that nailed, bring in the barbell.
It will take time, especially since you are working with an old injury. Be patient, you WILL get this!0 -
Work on form. Even if that means a deload. Going heavy is no use if you are risking injury or ineffective workouts due to poor form.0
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Thanks to all of you. Took your advice and went back to just the bar. Good call, Ladies!
Courtney 0
