Barbell squats and abs

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This might come across pretty dumb

But I did some squats with a barbell at the gym yesterday, the second time I've tried it, so only 15kg, about 33lbs. And I really feel it in my tummy today, it feels like I've done aload of situps. Is this normal? Or have I done something wrong.

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  • michaelalouise3915
    michaelalouise3915 Posts: 124 Member
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    Also does this seem good value or a total rip off http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9003204.htm I want some weights for when I'm on nightshirts and cant get tot the gym
  • Flickenstein
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    squats are excellent for your entire core....keep your abs tight when you do them....you are nomal cutie
  • michaelalouise3915
    michaelalouise3915 Posts: 124 Member
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    Oh good, I away worried I might have been doing it completely wrong. :) I'll embrace the burn lol
  • littlebudgie
    littlebudgie Posts: 279 Member
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    Your abs should be engaged when doing barbell squats properly, so it's possible that's why you feel like that. It's a good thing!
  • Cr01502
    Cr01502 Posts: 3,614 Member
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    This might come across pretty dumb

    But I did some squats with a barbell at the gym yesterday, the second time I've tried it, so only 15kg, about 33lbs. And I really feel it in my tummy today, it feels like I've done aload of situps. Is this normal? Or have I done something wrong.

    I rarely do abs as barbell squats and deadlifts are a plenty good workout.

    Ab workouts are highly over rated.

    Want good abs? Lift heavy and maintain a low body fat.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
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    Your abs are used to stablise your spine.

    They're not fantastic value, you might be better off with a specialist or hitting second hand.

    I don't work for them, but my gym is a branch of PureGym, they have 24hr access because they have a coded entry system.

    Edited because I used the wrong 'your' -_-
  • michaelalouise3915
    michaelalouise3915 Posts: 124 Member
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    This might come across pretty dumb

    But I did some squats with a barbell at the gym yesterday, the second time I've tried it, so only 15kg, about 33lbs. And I really feel it in my tummy today, it feels like I've done aload of situps. Is this normal? Or have I done something wrong.

    I rarely do abs as barbell squats and deadlifts are a plenty good workout.

    Ab workouts are highly over rated.

    Want good abs? Lift heavy and maintain a low body fat.

    That's what I'm trying to do, at the moment I'm struggling to lift more than 30lbs so Im adding on 5lbs each workout :)
  • michaelalouise3915
    michaelalouise3915 Posts: 124 Member
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    Your abs are used to stablise your spine.

    They're not fantastic value, you might be better off with a specialist or hitting second hand.

    I don't work for them, but my gym is a branch of PureGym, they have 24hr access because they have a coded entry system.

    Edited because I used the wrong 'your' -_-

    My gyms 24 hour too, it's just when I'm on. Nights I feel like a zombie, so would much rather do it at home.

    I've been looking for some second hand ones, people are pricing them higher than they are new though :(
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
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    It's likely they're pricing them higher because they are better quality, whereas Argos second hand is called the dump. Value is different from cheap, but obviously you can only get what you can afford.

    If you're doing squats at home, how are you going to get the heavy weight into the squat position, once you've loaded the bar?







    One shouldn't squat while suffering from the T-virus, no matter where you are.
  • Lupercalia
    Lupercalia Posts: 1,857 Member
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    Yep, squats and deadlifts work your core. They're great compound exercises! I don't do much else in terms of abs exercises, either. Some planks here and there, maybe some Russian twists....but so much of what I do in my usual workouts also engages the core, that it seems pretty unnecessary.

    I would plan to be squatting at the gym, unless you've got room for a squat rack in your place. It's going to be pretty impossible without a rack once you get to a weight that you can't safely clean overhead and put on your back.

    A set of dumbbells and possibly a barbell and weights at home could be nice to have, though. But like the other poster in the thread is saying, I'd recommend going for a quality fitness brand over Argos. Secondhand is great for this if you can be patient and take your time looking around.
  • michaelalouise3915
    michaelalouise3915 Posts: 124 Member
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    It's likely they're pricing them higher because they are better quality, whereas Argos second hand is called the dump. Value is different from cheap, but obviously you can only get what you can afford.

    If you're doing squats at home, how are you going to get the heavy weight into the squat position, once you've loaded the bar?




    One shouldn't squat while suffering from the T-virus, no matter where you are.

    I was thinking more once I get up to 50kg (if I ever do!) to use it at home as endurance, and get heavier at gym with the rack. I haven't used the rack at gym, I just get spotted at the moment.


    And good point. Does anybody know any good brands I should look for ?
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
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    Re. the squats, they are good for the core so you're abs would have been working too, perfectly normal!


    Re. the barbell set, it's OK as a starter but you would likely soon outgrow 50 kg supposing you are planning to lift heavy and would soon need a bigger set or more plates. Its worth looking on gumtree or ebay for a seond hand olympic barbell set, aiming to have around 1.5 to 2 x bodyweight which should keep you going a long time.

    If you're looking for new and can afford it, I bought a 6ft bar set up to 140 kg for only £200. Which obviously seems a lot in comparison but it's a great investment.


    ETA: I have this set but with a 6ft bar instead of 7ft which I'm very happy with http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/olympic_weight_sets/bodypower_145kg_trigrip_olympic_weight_set_/11784_p.html
  • littlebudgie
    littlebudgie Posts: 279 Member
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    A few people I know have had good luck getting good-quality stuff off craigslist, so you could look there to save some $$
  • Matt_Wild
    Matt_Wild Posts: 2,673 Member
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    Whilst not an amazing deal, those weights represent current metal costs, you won''t find much cheaper.
  • jimmie65
    jimmie65 Posts: 655 Member
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    You've already gotten some great advice, but I just wanted to say "Good for you!" for listening to others in earlier threads and stating to lift heavy.

    Also, I've picked up all my weights used. You have to keep an eye on Craigslist or garage sales, and know the prices,but deals do come along.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
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    Yay! So glad to hear your still lifting! I guess all our responses got to you :p and Im having trouble to get cheap equipment also :( we havent looked for long, have patience.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,070 Member
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    nice work on the squats.

    i see the argos page is the uk one, so if you're here, check out ebay - i've been thinking about kitting out my loft and a company on ebay seemed the cheapest with free uk delivery - i'm going to have a nosy now and i'll post the name if i can find it. :)
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,070 Member
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    i couldn't use the link you posted to look at what you were thinking of getting so sorry, if this is totally unrelated. the stuff i was looking at was, squat rack, olympic barbell, bench etc.

    the company on ebay is british_fitness_outlet

    there is cheaper stuff on there being sold privately but you usually need to collect and i'm always miles away from them, but you might be lucky.