squatted for first time today

[super_rice]

just got back a few hours ago...

bar x 5
115 x 5
135 x 5
135 x 5
135 x 5

i tried to keep as strict movement as i possibly could, and i think it worked, it felt as smooth as butter.

i'm officially in love with squats it's a crazy workout!

i felt a bit of tension in my traps however, is this supposed to be? or just from the pressure of the bar or something?

one important thing: am i supposed to lockout when repping? my legs began to shake like i was freezing cold when i tried to lockout, so i stopped locking out on the first set of 135.

btw, the smith machine still feels like shit

 

[SoSadBtTrue]

Wow, if this is really your first time squatting, you're a lot stronger than I was when I first started. Congrats.

To answer your question, I always lock out each rep...I do for all my lifts. Some people prefer not to, although I haven't heard much of that regarding squats.

One more thing, please tell me you're not using the smith machine for squats...please.

 

[Synpax]

Good job!

 

[super_rice]

SoSadBtTrue:
no, i hate the smith machine. i was just saying it feels too awkward.

what are the advantages/disadvantages to locking out?

thanks for the feedback!

 

[SoSadBtTrue]

Well, I feel like I get more out of each rep when I lock out. However, some people say that not locking out keeps the muscle under tension and is therefore better. I'm not really sure.

 

[milo34]

depends exactly what you mean by locking out
personally when I come back up I straighten my legs but don't 'lock' them.

also, since you're new to squatting, don't be tempted to add heaps of weight in place of good technique (i.e. to parallel or lower if you feel comfortable doing so)

now, get back to the rack

 

[Boulder257]

Great job...I think squats are the most addictive exercise! SoSad is right about adding weight. Keep good form on this one, as it is more important on squats than with other exercises. Keep it up!

 

[Toozee]

Congrats man!
Get ready to grow. Your whole body will benefit from that exercise.

-2z-

 

[EnderJE]

congrats!

 

[super_rice]

ok... lil update on the day after.

i'm walking like i'm 80 years old.

and my traps kill.


i found that not locking out does indeed keep some tension in there. so it doesn't really matter which i do right?

would it protect the knee more by not locking it?