Shoe question, amongst others!
usernamekelly1
Posts: 1,941 Member
Hi
I'm finally going to start my lifting program after what seems like a life time of torture not been able to lift (I fractured my sternum last year, cycling into a safety fence:blushing: ) it's what I class as fully healed to start weight training again, I have 4 days until leg days, so hopefully you peckers will advise me by then :laugh:
I've being doing body weight squats but find my balance is off and feel like I'm going to fall backwards, so when I did my new gym induction and they were showing me how to squat, I wobbled and went backwards... now I read that you should wear shoes for lifting with no arches, I was actually wearing my running trainers at the time and I have a high arch... so bad me!
My Q is what would be the best foot ware for me... I saw Sara in her meet vid had some type of converse on, now I do have a pair - so would they do??? next Q is there is a smith machine at the gym, now I'll be there at a time when the weigh room is basically mine (the joy) would you recommend, I use this for squatting in until I gain confidence (yes I lack it for squats because of balance) I'm not sure the etiquette of the gym and whether the machine is just for presses or not (sorry newbie ish)
I like to, in advance, apologize for my many, many Qs over then next few months (I did pre-warn Sara when I sent my friend request a while back, that I was intending to pick her brain)
I'm finally going to start my lifting program after what seems like a life time of torture not been able to lift (I fractured my sternum last year, cycling into a safety fence:blushing: ) it's what I class as fully healed to start weight training again, I have 4 days until leg days, so hopefully you peckers will advise me by then :laugh:
I've being doing body weight squats but find my balance is off and feel like I'm going to fall backwards, so when I did my new gym induction and they were showing me how to squat, I wobbled and went backwards... now I read that you should wear shoes for lifting with no arches, I was actually wearing my running trainers at the time and I have a high arch... so bad me!
My Q is what would be the best foot ware for me... I saw Sara in her meet vid had some type of converse on, now I do have a pair - so would they do??? next Q is there is a smith machine at the gym, now I'll be there at a time when the weigh room is basically mine (the joy) would you recommend, I use this for squatting in until I gain confidence (yes I lack it for squats because of balance) I'm not sure the etiquette of the gym and whether the machine is just for presses or not (sorry newbie ish)
I like to, in advance, apologize for my many, many Qs over then next few months (I did pre-warn Sara when I sent my friend request a while back, that I was intending to pick her brain)
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Replies
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Wear your Converse, don't use the Smith. Video your squat, work on form, strength and confidence will come.0
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Wear your Converse, don't use the Smith. Video your squat, work on form, strength and confidence will come.
^^yep.
If you cannot squat with the barbell, or are not comfortable doing it, do goblet squats where you hold a dumbbell in front of you until you get a good feel for squats.
People use the Smith for squats. The issue is, it is really hard to get the correct alignment and can 'teach' bad habits.
Running shoes have a compression sole, that is not good for lifting in as it creates instability. Chucks, vibrams and barefoot is better. You can also get squat shoes (they are hard soles but with a bit of a lift to the heel), but I would not bother with them until you get comfortable with squatting. They are a bit of a PITA to use as you only use them for squats and have to change into chucks or the like to do your other compounds.0 -
Thank you, will take my converse with me to the gym in future. I thought as much about the smith machine.. I'll do some vid watching on goblet squats and taking it from there
Once again, Thank you and also thanks to Benjammin.0 -
I like to wear Nike Free runs for lifting. They have a minimal sole (Nike has no soul!!) and they're made for a barefoot running feel.
The fact that you feel like you're falling backward on your squats seems like you're on your way t getting your form correct. One of the experienced lifters in my gym corrected my squat form way back when and he told me I almost want to feel like I'm falling backward.
Oh and stay out of the Smith. That thing is evil and will wreck your knees for squats.0 -
Locking so we can track active threads. Please PM either myself or SideSteel, and include a link to this thread, if you wish to ask any further questions and we will unlock.0
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