First time squats!

[amp909]

After reading what everyone has to say on this board the past few weeks, I decided to get serious and start the 5x5 routine -- which means I am now forcing myself to work hard on my legs, which I have been putting off for a long time. Yesterday I did my first leg day, and I did squats for my 5x5. I kept it REALLY light -- 145 lbs -- but I am SUPER sore today and I can barely walk!

Needless to say, I am stoked for next Thursday and more squats...

but my question is, is it better to use free weights for a relative beginner? I was using the Smith machine, because I wanted to get my form down first. Let me know what you think.

Thanks

AMP

 

[pwr_machine]

Good job starting squats. I'd sway away from the Smith to practice squats with free weights. There's a huge difference on how these feel. It would be better to get the free weight exercise practiced and perfected first.

 

[Scotsman]

Follow the advice given about staying away from the smith for squats. Now just sit back and enjoy the pain.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[Backlash]

I agree - skip the Smith machine. Among several other reasons, when you do change over you'll have to drop the weights way down to get your form correct if you've been building up to heavier weights in the Smith.

 

[Liftbig]

form on a smith machine and from on free squats wont be the same. the smith machine will interupt your natural groove to much. stay away from it like the plague

 

[amp909]

Wow, seems pretty unanimous! I'll do free squats next week if I can stand up by then. Thanks for the advice.

AMP