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I decided to a couple of squats. When I lowered the bar (and 20 kg) down onto my shoulders, I decided to go crane my neck down to check my feet... but then I felt something tugging on the neck -- it's the bar.
So how do you get around that... or am I doing my squats wrong?
Place your feet properly before loading the weight onto your shoulders. If you're not sure about foot position, do a couple of bodyweight-only squats first. Keep your hair in a ponytail or draped over the front of your shoulder when you place the bar behind your neck/across your trapezius. A headband or bandanna is great for working out with long hair. Look forward or slightly upward throughout the movement. Thrust your hips back (i.e., stick your butt out) on the way down; thrust them forward and straighten your lower back on the way up. Try to not let your knees go forward any further than your toes on the way down (the action should be as if you're sitting back into a chair, rather than trying to kneel down onto the floor). Breathe throughout the entire movement.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Val
Hi Matt,
I am sure you already know this. But, whatever you do, always make sure you wear a properly fitted wide lifting belt. This is paramount to your safety. Also, I would highly recommend using a squat rack so you can safely release the weight if you need to. Validus gave excellent info there. Squats will really build up the thighs. Tom Platz had some really big legs in his day.
Ted
Hey. If a guy who lifts weights can't get away with wearing a topknot I don't know who can. I don't lift, but that's what I'd do.
Thanks for the replies. I got the form correct... I just wanted to go check my feet.
I won't be wearing a belt... I'm not THAT strong yet (bar and 20 kg). But I still keep thinking that I have short hair when that's clearly not the case... it's starting to part out naturally now.
I'll throw my hair to the side when I'm doing my squats now.
Thanks for the advice!
Hi Matt,
I would still recommend you wear some sort of support when doing squats. I just think it's a good idea no matter what the weight is.
I am happy to hear your hair is growing well. It will look wonderful when it gets even longer!
Ted