squating body weight

sbailey27
sbailey27 Posts: 36
edited January 10 in Fitness and Exercise
Is it normal to not use weight when starting out. I can do a few reps with the bar but to get my 3x10 in I can't use any weight. I had several people watch me so I know I'm doing them correctly.

Replies

  • brtrentgl
    brtrentgl Posts: 130
    That doesn't sound right, I started out doing 120 I think. But everyone starts different
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    just make sure that you are seeing progress...I.E. increasing reps and/or weights. 3X10 sounds like a lot of volume..might want to go with 4X8 and as that gets easier add five to ten pounds..when you can do 4X8 easily at that weight add another five to ten pounds and so on ...


    I usually like to get comfortable in the 6-8 rep range before I move up to next weight...

    right now I can squat 220 started off doing 160 about two to three months ago...

    make sure you check your form...that will be important as you squat heavier weights....
  • DeanBurrows
    DeanBurrows Posts: 116 Member
    Everyone is different, i started on low weights on most of my muscle groups, hell on my chest i could barely lift the bar (20kg) but now i can do over double that and i started 3 months ago so don't worry about it.

    Keep doing it and you will soon be gaining, just hit those Protein/Fat macros and keep at it
  • kjw1031
    kjw1031 Posts: 300 Member
    Yes, you can start with just body weight.

    Then you can do them holding 10 pounds of hand weights and increase the amount of weight you're holding until you get to using the bar, which I think weighs 40 pounds.
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    Is it normal to not use weight when starting out. I can do a few reps with the bar but to get my 3x10 in I can't use any weight. I had several people watch me so I know I'm doing them correctly.

    Yes. Absolutely normal. Everybody starts somewhere, and when I started, I wasn't lifting a lot. If you can't use the bar, you can add a dumb bell. Sumo squats while holding a dumb bell between your knees is great. Or use a swiss ball and do wall squats holding dumb bells in your hands. Work your way up.
  • FitBeto
    FitBeto Posts: 2,121 Member
    Or add 5's on there and do 3-5 reps at 5 sets. Get strong and build a foundation before you work on your endurance - its a little easier this way
  • healthyKYgirl
    healthyKYgirl Posts: 272 Member
    When I started, I had bad form and couldn't get even close to parallel. So I started with front squats, goblet squats, box squats, body weight squats, and stretches. I can now squat 85lbs with a bar on my back. That's still low, but it's progress. So I am happy.

    But everyone starts differently. Some people start with a bar and weights. Others like me have to work on form and mobility first. Others can start with body weight squats and progress from there.

    And there's nothing that says you have to do a 3x10 program. You can always do a 3x1 or 3x3 program with a bar and work up and then do a 3x10 of just body weight squats.
  • murphy612
    murphy612 Posts: 734 Member
    That doesn't sound right, I started out doing 120 I think. But everyone starts different

    You started squatting with 120lbs?? wow
  • HMVOL7409
    HMVOL7409 Posts: 1,588 Member
    That doesn't sound right, I started out doing 120 I think. But everyone starts different

    It does if she's brand new to lifting. If someone has had an athletic background and muscle developed already it might be a little easier to throw out numbers.

    OP I agree with changing your rep range. If one week you can do the same weight and reach you rep range with no issue, the following week you add weight. The last few reps need to be a struggle without sacrificing form. Squatting 3x10 with no difficulty will not get you stronger.
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