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Old 08-14-21, 09:28 AM  
sherry7899
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
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!
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Old 08-14-21, 09:52 AM  
Pam61
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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! ;-)
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Old 08-14-21, 09:56 AM  
sherry7899
 
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Thanks, Pam! I am using hand weights. I have shoulder issues, so I avoid using weights or a bar resting on my shoulders.
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Old 08-14-21, 10:45 AM  
Laura S.
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Sherry - I've always held the weights by my side and there are plenty of video instructors who have done that as well.
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Old 08-14-21, 11:00 AM  
prettyinpink
 
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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.
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Old 08-14-21, 12:26 PM  
Jane P.
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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.
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Old 08-14-21, 12:58 PM  
sherry7899
 
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Thank you both. I will look up goblet squats and try the towel idea.
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Old 08-14-21, 02:48 PM  
Pam61
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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!
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Old 08-14-21, 05:36 PM  
Paine
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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.
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Old 08-14-21, 06:11 PM  
AsSweetAsSugar
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sherry7899 View Post
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, I find it uncomfortable too, I just hold them by my sides.
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