Setting squat PR’s again
Back before I reset my squat form, the most weight I was able to do was 240 pounds. Today I did 245×3, and my form was very good (at least on the first two reps). I’m going as deep as possible–deep enough to finally get that "bounce" out of the lower part of the motion that is mentioned in Starting Strength. I feel really good about that, because now I’m doing squats with a complete range of motion. As far as weight goes, my squat has always lagged behind my other lifts, but hopefully this upward trend is going to continue uninterrupted. Squats are my number one priority at the gym right now.
I’ve been straining my lower spine with my deadlifts, so I need to be more careful with the form. It may be that I’m trying to deadlift too much weight, as well. I’m going to skip my last (heaviest) set of deadlifts next week, and drop down to 350 for the final set the week after next. I’d like to see a strength coach at some point, in order to get some feedback on my deadlifting form. I really thought it was solid, because I deadlifted for over a year with absolutely zero pain. Then all of the sudden a few weeks ago I tweaked my back on a light set of deadlifts. (A warmup set!) I took it easy the week after that, then I went heavy again and it felt fine. So I added 5 pounds the next week (which was this Wednesday) and despite focusing on my form, I managed to strain my lower back again.
April 11, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Great job on the squats, keep it up bro! Take care on those dead lifts they are killers, always been my weakest lifts….