how much weight would i start squats with (never done before)

[Elite_Fry]

hey... ive never done squats before but am going to start...
its gonna be doing the breathing squats...
im 160 pounds... currently i leg leg press 250 pounds for 10 reps.
any idea what i should squatting with??
cos i dont want to look like a complete idiot when i go and have to keep changing the weight over and over again
any ideas? thanks

 

[bignate73]

no way to tell. learn how to do a squat, add weight, and keep adding weight until you are at a rep range you desire. as long as you dont crap out on form, you are doing alright.

there is no magic starting weight, based on your leg press or weight. just try things out. be humble use good form, if you are caught up in the weight, youre asking to be more embarassed when you get buried under too much.

 

[Elite_Fry]

ok
any ideas on what i should start on then?
whats a good starting point

 

[Sebass67]

Umm..i don't think you see his point. Start warming up with nothing and gradually put the weight on till you are doing your desired rep range with proper form and than you are there.

It is different for everyone.

 

[beastboy]

Start with the bar and concentrate on your form.....add weight once you have your form down....

 

[enrage]

Start with the bar and concentrate on your form.....add weight once you have your form down....

i agree also. Start with the bar then depending how your form is you could add a 25lb plate on both sides and see how you do. if u feel comfortable doing that then add a 10lb plate on both sides. Work up gradually and slowly.

 

[MidwestJ]

Who cares what you look like man. If you've never done squats before then your in for a world of soreness on your lower half. Don't start out with too much weight and hurt yourself. Start SLOW and work up/into it. Start with the bar for 3 sets of 10 then 3 days later add a small about of weight. Do whatever you want though.

 

[gymtime]

no way to tell. learn how to do a squat, add weight, and keep adding weight until you are at a rep range you desire. as long as you dont crap out on form, you are doing alright.

there is no magic starting weight, based on your leg press or weight. just try things out. be humble use good form, if you are caught up in the weight, youre asking to be more embarassed when you get buried under too much.

Good advice as usual bro. I will just add a little to what Nate said. If you've never done squats before, prepare to begin using muscles that you're not used to using. Plus, you'll want to give your back some time to adjust as well. So three keys you'll want to focus on now:

1. Stretch: spend a good 5-10 minutes stretching your quads, hams, and lower back before, during and after the excercise.
2. Warmup: do two warmup sets with the bar only.
3. Form: as you add weight, concentrate on form for now. Even if you only start with 95lbs or so, your legs will be sore the next day.

 

[Lord_Suston]

always get form down, i mean at least parallel. Eeryone will laugh at you when you put to much weight on and hurt yourself vesrsus just doing a little less weight properly. Don't worry about weight it is progress you are looking for....