Michael D
Level 1 Valued Member
I started squatting in the middle of December with 95lb and got to 135lb by mid-January. It seems like the weight progression was a bit too fast, so I strained my adductors, and had to take time off squatting. I resumed squatting last week and worked up to 115lb with no pain. The weight doesn't feel heavy, but the most I can do maintaining good form is 3 sets of 5. First 2 sets feel rather easy, but last one is not. I squat just a bit below parallel, with high bar, and with my heels about shoulder width apart.
Now, I know the video would be helpful, but unfortunately, I don't have one, so please bear with my wordy explanation. I think I do use a proper form. Getting hurt does force you to pay extra attention to the form! I know I used to have a tendency to allow my knees to cave in, trying to wiggle myself out of the whole, and I was leaning forward a bit. But now I closely watch for those problems, and I don't allow myself to go heavier in weight if those things start coming back. For this very reason, I had to stick to 115lb for couple workouts.
Just for giggles, I tried the Leg Press machine. I did 3 reps with 208lb (90lb plates + the weight of the platform). It felt light, so I added 90lb, and did another 3 reps. Then added 50lb, and did another 3. The final set was 348lb. It felt heavy, but doable. On all those I was trying to lower the weight as far as possible. I kept the stance about the same as in the squat...
And finally, here is the question I have. Is it normal to have a leg press so much heavier than the squat? I feel like there is enough leg strength to be able to squat more, but for now I am somewhat struggling with 115lb. Am I doing something wrong?
And one more probably important detail One thing I noticed with my squats is, there is a sticking point coming out of the hole when the weight feels much heavier, about 1/3 of the way up. This is when my leaning forward, and knee caving was happening before. As soon as I pass this point, the weight just flies up...
Any pointers to what the problem might be, and how to resolve it? Thank you in advance!
Now, I know the video would be helpful, but unfortunately, I don't have one, so please bear with my wordy explanation. I think I do use a proper form. Getting hurt does force you to pay extra attention to the form! I know I used to have a tendency to allow my knees to cave in, trying to wiggle myself out of the whole, and I was leaning forward a bit. But now I closely watch for those problems, and I don't allow myself to go heavier in weight if those things start coming back. For this very reason, I had to stick to 115lb for couple workouts.
Just for giggles, I tried the Leg Press machine. I did 3 reps with 208lb (90lb plates + the weight of the platform). It felt light, so I added 90lb, and did another 3 reps. Then added 50lb, and did another 3. The final set was 348lb. It felt heavy, but doable. On all those I was trying to lower the weight as far as possible. I kept the stance about the same as in the squat...
And finally, here is the question I have. Is it normal to have a leg press so much heavier than the squat? I feel like there is enough leg strength to be able to squat more, but for now I am somewhat struggling with 115lb. Am I doing something wrong?
And one more probably important detail One thing I noticed with my squats is, there is a sticking point coming out of the hole when the weight feels much heavier, about 1/3 of the way up. This is when my leaning forward, and knee caving was happening before. As soon as I pass this point, the weight just flies up...
Any pointers to what the problem might be, and how to resolve it? Thank you in advance!