squats

tissue

hey all i just started doing squats with dumb bells today u think this is a gd way to start off first then i was gunna move onto the bar in a few weeks ???

themule

Im sorry mate i hate to say this, but personally you will be far better off using the bar first, even if you use just the bar to get the form correct, then progress to whichever weight you can handle comfortably, it will benefit you greatly in the future, when using dumbells you dont have the addition of squat racks, or a smith machine, but when you start with the bar make sure you have a spotter.




Dave.

matt youngun

I would probably stick with the bar too. Just start it off light to get your form perfected and then progress.
Just sayin the same as themule here but that's the right way to do it in my opinion, completely agree with themule

Benj

I don't see why you should use DB's

I presume you have a Power/squat rack in your gym?

Just start with the bar and work your way upwards adding small amounts of weight at a time.

lol, I remeber the first time I squatted, I had DOMS for about 10 days! Just shows show much more effective squats are at training your quads.

tissue

ok cheers next week il start with the bar on the machine u recon i should where a belt?

themule

I think you should get your form correct firstly, and then when you progress and gradually lift heavier, maybe, but i dont think its necessary just yet, in saying that everyone to their own, if you feel safer and comfortable with a belt, go for it mate, it certainly wont do you any harm.




Dave.

Benj

Machine...i dont like the sound of that, your not planning on using the SMITH!! are ya, extreamly bad for your back!

http://www.lifestylesport.com/41.jpg

Do you have something like this in your gym, its just so you can squat but then if ya cant push another rep the bars will catch the weight from falling on you and crushing you!! lol!

tissue

yeh not exactly the same as that but yeh it dose the same job i was thing of using the smith machine y is it bad for ur back if anything i would hve thourght its better coz it keeps u in a proper position and u dnt hve to balance it out and u can do heavyer weights .........

themule

Hi mate, First of all some gymnasiums are better equipped than others, your gym might have both a squat rack and a smith machine, secondly, If that is all they have e.g. a Smith Machine, then it is up to a member of the gym staff to take all people joining or already members, on an induction of the gym, in order to explain and to demonstrate the (rights and wrongs) in using the various machines,weights and equipment, i personally like the smith machine, as my gym does not have a squat rack but it is safe to use, if it where not they should not be in a gym in the first place (regarding "being bad for your back") like all equipment it is down to the individual and mandatory for staff to watch out for people incorrectly using equipment and to put them right, alternatively the individual has a training partner to spot for them in such circumstances. Finally if you train alone like me do not be embarrassed to ask a member of staff for that reason to spot for you, that is why you pay your fees. Benj this was not a go at you mate i merely think that evryone is entitled to their own opinion and respect you for that. But if everyone trained with proper form (no swinging or cheating), then half of the complaints about machines and the like would never come to light.




Dave.

tissue

well we got both il think il think il give it a go on the smith machine for 6 months and see how i get on then il move on and use the squat rack