Why do squats feel so awkward??

[audiophyle]

I tried doing some bar bell squats for the first time today (yeah i'm a newbie ) and I could only do about 90 pounds (this is including the bar). I'm on ckd so i understand that i'm weaker than normal but 90 pounds really sucks. I can get to around 250-260 on the leg press while on ckd. I think my form was right since i've been researching and watching video's on proper form all day, but then again i'm new to this so who knows.

Is it normal for beginners to suck at squats or am i just gifted?

 

[spatts]

What part of the squat felt most awkward, and were you doing free squats or using a Smith machine?

 

[casualbb]

Don't worry; you're normal. I've personally found that can usually squat about half of what I leg press. I was feeling strong doing 300 lbs x 5 on the leg press yet can only do a miserable 145 lb squat for 5 reps. Ah well, plenty of room to improve.

How much do you weigh?

-casualbb

 

[spatts]

Oh yeah...there's almost NO carry over from leg press to squat. I leg press 9 plates each side, but only squat around 400.

 

[audiophyle]

thats a relief lol. I was doing free weight squats for the first time. I think the most awkward part was trying to keep my feet completely flat on the ground. I had a tendancy to roll forward to the tips of my toes and almost fall over.
I'm about 195 6'4". That sounds skinny but i still have a good bit of fat to lose before i have a six pack, then i'm gonna start bulking.

 

[spatts]

How wide is your stance, what is the direction of your feet, and are you sitting back...or are your knees coming forward of your ankles?

 

[Nonerz]

I leg press 9 plates each side, but only squat around 400.

Holy shit! You rock!

 

[SAGAT]

Oh yeah...there's almost NO carry over from leg press to squat. I leg press 9 plates each side, but only squat around 400.

LOL you say that as if that's a bad thing

 

[Drifter]

thats a relief lol. I was doing free weight squats for the first time. I think the most awkward part was trying to keep my feet completely flat on the ground. I had a tendancy to roll forward to the tips of my toes and almost fall over.
I'm about 195 6'4". That sounds skinny but i still have a good bit of fat to lose before i have a six pack, then i'm gonna start bulking.

I'm still learning the finer points of the squat myself but here is my suggestion (as per Spatts). I found I had the same problem as you. I fixed it by sitting into the squat. After I started doing that I've never had a problem with being on my toes and feeling like I'm about to fall on my face..

 

[audiophyle]

I fixed it by sitting into the squat. After I started doing that I've never had a problem with being on my toes and feeling like I'm about to fall on my face..

I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean your squatting to a bench?

Thanks for everyones advice. I guess it will just take some practice to get it right.