What do I need for Squats and Deadlifts?

I dont know why "ick" at the dumbbells... That is what I use for my deadlifts and my squats, etc. I dont have access to a bar right now. If you are a beginner at lifting, dumbbells work great to start. I can use 2 50 pound dumbbells and am deadlifting 100 pounds. or hold the dumbells at my shoulders using two 25 pound ones and squat 50 pounds.

I am getting good results using dumbbells for all of my strength training for the time being, including overhead press, bench press, etc.

Of course, if you HAVE access to a bar, I would use that!

Good luck :flowerforyou:

You also need a squat rack, or a strong spotter. Because you're going to be able to squat a whole lot more than you can press overhead. I.e., i squat 85kg and press 37.5kg.

I prefer a barbell to dumbbells as well...I have a much harder time holding onto dumbbells rather than a barbell for deadlifts. I'm doing 165 for deads right now, and I'm not sure I could handle that much weight in dumbbells. Also, as your weights get heavier, I think you'll have a harder time either swinging the weights to your shoulders for squats or lifting them off the ground for deads safely.

That being said, if you do not have access to a gym or barbell, kettlebells or dumbbells are a good place to start. You should expect to progress past them fairly quickly though. I have only been lifting 11 weeks and my dead has already gone from 45 lbs (barbell weight) to 165.

If you're going to a gym then you just need to get comfy in the free weight section of the gym. The cage will be your new best friend. If you are buying equipment to work at home, you can buy a set of starting lifting weights that will get you through the first couple months of lifting. You can't get very high in weight without a cage though. Good luck, you will love lifting!

I dont know why "ick" at the dumbbells... That is what I use for my deadlifts and my squats, etc. I dont have access to a bar right now. If you are a beginner at lifting, dumbbells work great to start. I can use 2 50 pound dumbbells and am deadlifting 100 pounds. or hold the dumbells at my shoulders using two 25 pound ones and squat 50 pounds.

I am getting good results using dumbbells for all of my strength training for the time being, including overhead press, bench press, etc.

Of course, if you HAVE access to a bar, I would use that!

Good luck :flowerforyou:

I don't like the dumbbells for those exercises because it is harder to keep your form and you're more limited on how much weight you can use.

Yes, this is true. Once I can, I fully intend to use a bar. I just wanted to let her know, it is possible to use dumbbells and get good results. Some people think since they dont have access to a bar, why bother

I just started using weights for my squats and deadlifts. I only use 2 10# weights, but I'm going to increase weight in a week of so. Its a good start if you've never used weights before. Don't waste your time with anything smaller than 8 lbs.

I use dumbbells and kettle bells.

Have a look at the sticky threads in this group.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/4618-stronglifts-5x5-for-women

So, lots of good advice. Here's what I did when I decided to start using my legs:

1. Body weight squats. I started with this because I had never done a squat in my life. I did 3 sets of 15 and could barely walk for three days. I did those for a month until I got to 3x25 and decided I wanted to add something.

2. I added lunges. Again, 3x15 and worked up to 3x25 fairly quickly. Still kept doing body weight squats.

3. I bought a pair of those adjustable dumbbells and started adding weight to the squats and lunges. I started at 15 lbs / side (30 lbs total) and slowly progressed to 50 lbs in each hand while doing them. I spent a good two months progressing up to 50 lbs x 15 x 3 of both squat and lunges in one session. I was getting some results and loved it. Hadn't even thought much about barbell squats until 100 lbs of dumbbells got boring.

So I decided to invest in a power rack, barbell and plates to do heavier squats. Went to Craigslist and dropped $425 for a nice power rack, 2 oly bars, 300 lbs of plates and a bench. I wanted to do these at home and the power rack keeps me safe. I am now progressing nicely through the Starting Strength program and I'm pleased with the effect it has had on my whole body.

There is risk with compound barbell lifts. I never injured myself with the dumbbells. Just had sore muscles. Doubt there was anything I could have done to injure myself other than drop a dumbbell on my toes. Compound lifts with a barbell and heavy weights can cause injury very easily. I read a book, got under the bar and away I went. Two months later, I am still rehabbing my shoulder tendinitis and can't overhead press my own arm let alone any weight. Don't do that. Get help and go much slower than you are actually capable of going. Never, ever let your ego drive you to add weight when you know your form is not perfect. It will hurt.

So, start simple and when you think you want to move up, try the next logical stop. I will warn you that once you start throwing around plates with 2" holes in them, you will feel like a real badass. And your body will start to change and then you'll be hooked. It is like no other exercise regimen I have ever done. The relentless pursuit of strength.

Enjoy the ride.

Tom

If you don't have access to a squat rack, you can also do lunges with your dumb bells. If you ever get a rack, a squad pad wouldn't hurt either; the bar can put a lot of pressure on your neck. I'd also recommend staying away from doing squats on a smith machine. The machine guides a barbell up and down on a wire or bar frame.

Dumbbell Lunges
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/dumbbell-lunges

Dumbbell Squat
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/plie-dumbbell-squat

Kettlebell Squat
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/one-arm-overhead-kettlebell-squats