Barbell Questions/Problems

[sarahlou]

I am struggling with the barbell. When I am trying to do squats or lunges with the barbell on my back, the barbell seem to roll down my back instead of staying at the back of the top of my neck. Also, my arms, shoulders end up aching and I don't understand why or how to solve either of these problems. Any suggestions?

[donnajo]

You don't want it resting on your neck. You need to set it on your traps. It is hard to explain without seeing what you are doing.

[Audrey]

The bar should indeed rest on your traps, not on your neck. You also need to keep your chest up (think of 'puffing up' your chest), keep an arch in your back, keep your abs tight and remember NOT to look down.

As for the aching in the arms and shoulders, it may just be a function of getting used to having something on your back (assuming you are new to weight training). It should go away with time as you practice those exercises more.

[sarahlou]

Thanks for the advice I will try it out this afternoon and report back. :)

[Noel Clark]

I have also heard others complain of this...especially when their traps are not developed. Let us know how it goes!

[smuggie]

Squeeze your traps together to make a shelf for the bar to rest on.

[sarahlou]

Hmm.. I tried and did a little better last evening but am still struggling with this. I am new so I guess I need to develop the traps. Wow! What a beautiful!!! beautiful back and shoulder caps AuTiger!! Now that is inspiring and motivating for someone like me. A great avatar!!! How long did it take you to develop your back? Also, how long did it take you to make those shoulders? Are you a pro? (looks like it)

Sorry dont' know where to put this on here and don't know how to reach the administrators but You know something I would love to see on here/this discussion board along the lines of the thread showing how far people have come is a place where people post beautiful/inspiring photos of themselves. Last year I really found the photos of fit young women in a Oxygen magazine freebie calendar really motivating. I guess they didn't make one this year and I haven't found anything like it so far on the market. Anyway just a thought.

[Erik]

Sorry dont' know where to put this on here and don't know how to reach the administrators but You know something I would love to see on here/this discussion board along the lines of the thread showing how far people have come is a place where people post beautiful/inspiring photos of themselves. Last year I really found the photos of fit young women in a Oxygen magazine freebie calendar really motivating. I guess they didn't make one this year and I haven't found anything like it so far on the market. Anyway just a thought.

Like this?

http://www.leanbodiesfitness.com/showthread.php?p=832381#post832381

[Noel Clark]

Hmm.. I tried and did a little better last evening but am still struggling with this. I am new so I guess I need to develop the traps. Wow! What a beautiful!!! beautiful back and shoulder caps AuTiger!! Now that is inspiring and motivating for someone like me. A great avatar!!! How long did it take you to develop your back? Also, how long did it take you to make those shoulders? Are you a pro? (looks like it)

Sorry dont' know where to put this on here and don't know how to reach the administrators but You know something I would love to see on here/this discussion board along the lines of the thread showing how far people have come is a place where people post beautiful/inspiring photos of themselves. Last year I really found the photos of fit young women in a Oxygen magazine freebie calendar really motivating. I guess they didn't make one this year and I haven't found anything like it so far on the market. Anyway just a thought.
:hi:

We do actually have a pics forum that people could start doing that. I think that is a great idea.

And thank you so much for the compliments :hug: No not a pro...would love to be. There are great pics in the progression thread of members on here too if you haven't seen those. I posted a bit of my back progression in there. You have also posted in my blog before...I am Noel...just in case you didn't know.

[sarahlou]

Sorry no I didn't realize you were the same person - oops. Different name - is it "gold tiger" or am I reading it wrong? if it is gold tiger I am very intrigued by your choice - and I am not!! the brightest person sometimes LOL! Sorry about that.

[Noel Clark]

Sorry no I didn't realize you were the same person - oops. Different name - is it "gold tiger" or am I reading it wrong? if it is gold tiger I am very intrigued by your choice - and I am not!! the brightest person sometimes LOL! Sorry about that.

AU is where I graduated from AUBURN UNIVERSITY. And Tiger is our mascot.

So AUTIGER :)

:)

[donnajo]

Sorry no I didn't realize you were the same person - oops. Different name - is it "gold tiger" or am I reading it wrong? if it is gold tiger I am very intrigued by your choice - and I am not!! the brightest person sometimes LOL! Sorry about that.

Don't ever say you are not the brightest person. No question is stupid. :hug: That is how we learn about training and each other.

[sarahlou]

Donna you made me cry. I realize you guys don't feel that way but this place as warm and welcoming as you make it is a bit intimidating for a newbie. You all lift such heavy weights, have such beautiful healthy, fit bodies, and know sooo much about nutrition and fitness that it is a bit overwhelming and scary - I realize that you guys don't see yourselves quite the same way and I realize that you are learning and growing, too, and that really inspires and encourages me. I guess that's also why I have lurked and not posted much because I don't feel that I know enough to even ask intelligent questions at times.

Autiger - LOL! Then I guess I can offer a new perspective on your nickname which seems like a positive and accurate spin: "Au" is the chemical symbol for gold - you are blond - and you are a "golden Tiger" you are strong, athletic! a good fit! :)

[Inatic]

You all lift such heavy weights, have such beautiful healthy, fit bodies, and know sooo much about nutrition and fitness that it is a bit overwhelming and scary -I realize that you guys don't see yourselves quite the same way and I realize that you are learning and growing, too, and that really inspires and encourages me. I guess that's also why I have lurked and not posted much because I don't feel that I know enough to even ask intelligent questions at times.



Sarah we all come from different places in health, fitness and strength. ( whether that be mentally or physically).

Personally, I started my wt journey as an over wt (50lbs) mother of 5. I knew NOTHING when i started. Little secret..... Im STILL learning. We all are.