Am I doing something wrong

cnphel0

So I've been doing squats since last fall and I've gotten a lot stronger. But I've recently noticed that a lot of guys at the gym will stare at me while I'm lifting. I don't think I'm lifting incorrectly because my joints don't hurt but my leg muscles will get pretty sore afterward. I use the squat rack and do around 130lbs. (if I'm calculating the plates and bar correctly). I do 3 sets of 10 reps and I'm thinking about adding more weight soon since I'm not getting sore anymore.
I'm starting to wonder if I'm lifting to much. Are there any women out there who do heavy lifting that squat that much or more? Any advice for going up? Should I stop increasing? I love squats I just don't know if I'm overdoing it.

moustache_flavored_lube

As long as you are maintaining good form then keep adding weight.

mmcgowanhaun

It all depends on your goals. What is your goal? I just use a leg press and I do tons of squats without weights in kick boxing class. If you are trying to lose weight and fat you don't need a lot of weight you just need to do lots of reps. May be the guys just like to stare. That is what I find. I am usually the only women in the weight lifting area some times 1 other and most are over weight. If you are in good shape they could be admiring!
Good luck

justlistening

There is a stronglift 5x5 for women group on here. You might want to ask there. It sounds ok to me but I would double check my form. Butt back, most of the weight on your heals.

aj445

Perhaps they're staring admiringly?

When I use to have a gym membership I got up to squatting over 180lbs. Definitely don't stop! Checking your form is never a bad thing to do though just in case.

JenMc14

As long as your form is correct, there's no reason not to keep going up. I can squat about 120, but my knee starts to tweak, and I'm pretty sure my form starts to fail, so I've been squatting much lower lately. If you're up to 10 reps, I'd definitely say go up in weight!

jstout365

I am squatting 125 lbs for 3 sets of 12. I don't think you are over doing it. My guess is that the guys are not used to seeing a woman squat heavier weight. If you have a trainer at the gym you may see if they could just check your form for you before going heavier if that is really your concern.

sunflowerhippi

I would say they are just confused/looking because you are a women. I just started but am doing 50lbs + bar right now. I hope to be up there with the weight once I am comfortable my form is spot on.

dbrightwell1270

My guess is that so many guys skip leg day that they were just studying you to see what the squat rack was actually used for.

In reality there aren't a lot of women who do squats so it may just be the novelty of it.