weighted squats question
 

I am getting back to strength training consistently (yay!) I have a question about using weights while doing squats. Does it matter if you just let your arms hang down instead of holding the weights on your shoulders? I find that uncomfortable. Thank you!

Sherry,

Are you using dumbbells or a weighted bar with plates?

If using dumbbells you can just have them in front of your shoulders, instead of resting on top. I think the advantage is to provide a bit more balance or counter-balance. If it causes neck strain (a bar might do this) modify to suit you.

Nothing wrong with holding the weights at your sides, though. You'll feel it in your legs more this way.

Congrats for getting back to strength training!

PS., whichever way you choose, make sure to squeeze those glutes! ;-)

Thanks, Pam! I am using hand weights. I have shoulder issues, so I avoid using weights or a bar resting on my shoulders.

Sherry - I've always held the weights by my side and there are plenty of video instructors who have done that as well.

Have you tried goblet squats? You hold the dumbbell(s) in front of you, at your chin and chest. You may need to have a slightly wider stance with toes turned out slightly, compared to the squat with dumbbells hanging by your sides. There are lots of good videos on YouTube that demonstrate.

It does take a little time to work up to holding as heavy of a weight that way, since you are using some upper body strength to do it. But a positive is that the goblet engages the core more. When I maxed out with what I could hold that way, I added a weight vest.

When I put dumbells on my shoulders, I use a couple of hand towels before setting the dumbells on them. They provide a bit of a cushion. However do whatever works for you.

Thank you both. I will look up goblet squats and try the towel idea.

You will feel goblet squats in your inner thighs, for sure! Plus, you're usually going deeper, so will benefit from more flexibility in hips, too!

Sherry, sometimes I wear a weighted belt for squats to give my hands a rest from holding weights. If I'm holding weights, I usually hold them at my sides rather than on my shoulders.

Sherry, I find it uncomfortable too, I just hold them by my sides.