[Ultimate1]

OK so I'm starting a new lifting programme to implement squats/deadlifts into it, but I'm scared of doing both.

I have seen a LOT of videos on both exercises and how to do them with the correct form, but a fear exists of squats that I'll have such bad form and mess my knees up.

On dead-lifts I keep getting nightmares that I'll mess it up and bam my back is gone forever.

Please help me guys

[tooosh]

Start light and practice.

[Illidan_Stormrage]

When done with good form they are the safest exercises out there. Start out with weights you can handle and you will have nothing to fear.

[1992dean]

its like everything in life there are risks but if you know about them and use proper form then you will be fine

[Classical Liberal]

(Original post by Ultimate1)
OK so I'm starting a new lifting programme to implement squats/deadlifts into it, but I'm scared of doing both.

I have seen a LOT of videos on both exercises and how to do them with the correct form, but a fear exists of squats that I'll have such bad form and mess my knees up.

On dead-lifts I keep getting nightmares that I'll mess it up and bam my back is gone forever.

Please help me guys

Same here for squats. Everytime I did them in the past I would get injured.

I have started doing them now, and they have worked great. I do know much more about the form and the like than I used to (school gym guy completely misinformed me).

Just do them with fairly light weight to get the feeling for it.

I don't know how valid this is, but I have found it really helps to have stronger abs. My gym mate is weaker than me in that area and although he can squat more than me he finds it tricky to balance. Whilst I can get right down with plenty of control.

[Ultimate1]

(Original post by tooosh)
Start light and practice.

But this is the problem; I don't mind squatting/dead-lifting with only the barbell, to start off with, but the main problem is how will I know I'm doing it right without any spotters/trainers?

(Original post by alex_tait)
When done with good form they are the safest exercises out there. Start out with weights you can handle and you will have nothing to fear.

Thanks.

(Original post by 1992dean)
its like everything in life there are risks but if you know about them and use proper form then you will be fine

Yes, but:

brb one rep I slack on DL and mess up my back forever

(Original post by Classical Liberal)
Same here for squats. Everytime I did them in the past I would get injured.

I have started doing them now, and they have worked great. I do know much more about the form and the like than I used to (school gym guy completely misinformed me).

Just do them with fairly light weight to get the feeling for it.

I don't know how valid this is, but I have found it really helps to have stronger abs. My gym mate is weaker than me in that area and although he can squat more than me he finds it tricky to balance. Whilst I can get right down with plenty of control.

Did you too watch videos on youtube to clean up your form? If so, how do you know when you are doing them right? Thanks.

[Classical Liberal]

(Original post by Ultimate1)
Did you too watch videos on youtube to clean up your form?
If so, how do you know when you are doing them right? Thanks.

Yes. I did a good deal of research. Also as I have been doing weights for quite a while I now recognise certain things from other exercises like having your shoulders back and what not. Basically I understand general weight lifting form, whilst in the past I did not have a clue.

I am pretty sure I am doing them right because I have not suffered from any joint pain after I have done a lot of squats. Also the people I lift with seemed to think my form was robust, although I do not fully trust them.

[HARRY PUTAH]

Diesel Crew youtube videos have detailed video breakdowns for each move.

YOu need to understand that squats are not an up-down movement. They're a pancake movement and you're the pancake.

As soon as you understand this, you will know how your body should be when doing them. DOnt take any advice off some punter in the gym who cannot squat at least 1.5 times their Bodyweight raw ATG.

[tooosh]

(Original post by Ultimate1)
But this is the problem; I don't mind squatting/dead-lifting with only the barbell, to start off with, but the main problem is how will I know I'm doing it right without any spotters/trainers?

Film yourself. Also most things you can just feel yourself doing wrong.

[silent ninja]

(Original post by alex_tait)
When done with good form they are the safest exercises out there. Start out with weights you can handle and you will have nothing to fear.

This.

I've torn the meniscus in my knee when I was a teen (and the other one has dislocated before, neither weight lifting related, so my knees aren't very strong) and can do squats no problem (currently doing 100kg after a month back in the gym). Leg presses mess my knees up no matter my foot placement and so do several other exercises which people are so willing to do (I bet you've leg pressed?), but the squat and deadlift don't. I've had months off with knee aches after doing exercises correctly but these two give me no issues. If I can do them, I'm sure any healthy person can.

Squats are a natural movement. Start with the bar, don't be shy. Good technique means you'll make faster progress later. However, the squat is quite technical so it's good to have a gym partner to point things out. It's a learning process. There are lots of good YouTube videos and massive sections about the squat and deadlift in the book Starting Strength. Really good buy IMO.

[McHumpy92]

I'm scared of bench, squat and deadlift...less so deadlift but do get a nervous feeling before doing a heavy set.

I'm not even sure I enjoy lifting...I just enjoy the results.

[SEHughes]

OP, buy the Starting Strength book and learn proper lifting mechanics. There will always be a bit of fear when getting under a heavy barbell, but you just learn to deal with it.

[jamiealexander]

Squats and deadlifts aren't needed IMO.

You never mentioned your goals.

I tend to do pistol squats these days, and I do glute ham raises and kettlebell swings for my posterior chain.

[HFerguson]

scared to squat or deadlift?

Conquer your fears, or let your fears conquer you.
So long as you do adequate research on correct form, they shouldn't be dangerous exercises.

[Powerlifter]

Find experienced lifter, train with them.

Oh and one other keyt thing: Man the **** up!

[silent ninja]

(Original post by jamiealexander)
Squats and deadlifts aren't needed IMO.

You never mentioned your goals.

I tend to do pistol squats these days, and I do glute ham raises and kettlebell swings for my posterior chain.

Hate to break it to you but pistol squats are squats. They just require more balance. Holding a kettle bell and doing them is the same thing as adding weight to a squat. Yes you need more skill but sounds to me like you're showing off.

[Classical Liberal]

(Original post by chrislpp)
No, but someone clearly aware of good form who still doesn't do them is.

There is a difference between having learnt what good form is in theory and actually doing it in practice.

[chrislpp]

(Original post by Classical Liberal)
There is a difference between having learnt what good form is in theory and actually doing it in practice.

Yea, so he/she should ****ing practice

[Classical Liberal]

(Original post by chrislpp)
Yea, so he/she should ****ing practice

True.

Why he cannot do lighter weights and get his form is beyond me.

When people say lift heavy, what they should really say is "keep good form, and lift heavy with good form".

Because if you just lift as heavy as possible without developing your form, you will injure yourself.

[HARRY PUTAH]

(Original post by Classical Liberal)
True.

Why he cannot do lighter weights and get his form is beyond me.

When people say lift heavy, what they should really say is "keep good form, and lift heavy with good form".

Because if you just lift as heavy as possible without developing your form, you will injure yourself.

Majority of people do not understand this.

It gets worse when bodybuilder-types start lecturing newbies or people wanting to get into leg workouts.