Squats vs. Lunges weight?

K

kgravel

Cathlete
Hey y'all,

I have a question about weights used for squats vs. lunges. I am an intermediate exerciser and I use 25# barbell for several sets of squats, however for lunges I am lucky to use 5# dumbbells and usually drop them on low ends.

Is it normal to have such a discrepancy in weight on these two exercises? Any insight or experience would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kim
 
Hi Kim! I think this is very normal. When you think about it, you are using both legs evenly to support your weight while doing squats, whereas you have split legs and most of the weight is bearing on your front leg for lunges. I, too, find it much easier to do squats with heavier weights then lunges. Keep at it and you WILL progress from your 5#'ers!
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Hi Kim, when I started using weights for squats and lunges, I used a pair of 12-lb. dumbbells for squats and a pair of 8-lb. dumbbells for lunges. I'd put the weights on my shoulders when doing squats, but when doing lunges, I'd just hold the dumbbells and keep them beside my body. At the time, balancing my body and keeping good form while doing lunges was something I was still working at. Eventually I was able to lift heavier and now I can use 40 lbs. max with BOTH squats and lunges. (Just recently been able to do this.) Just keep working on it. I'm starting my 6th month on Cathe and am constantly amazed by my progress. I bet you will also experience the same, probably even sooner.:)

Pinky
 
Lunges really call on your balance, and until you get to the point where you've got that down, it's possible that your lunge weight will be much lighter than your squat weight. You can add a bit of stability by doing static lunges, which may allow you to use heavier weights.

The fact that you have to drop the weights on low ends might be a problem with grip strength. (Is it your hands that "need" to drop them, or your legs?). As someone else suggested, try different positions with the weights: at your side or by your shoulders (I don't actually hold dumbbells ON my shoulders, as that hurts! I curl them up into a hammer curl position, but a bit higher, so my hands are right in front of my shoulders).
 
Hey Kim everyone had great suggestion. My suggestion is did you try using a barbell instead of dumbells. For me I find that using a barbell for lunges help me balance a little better but of course that is me. You can also do no weights at all until you feel strong enough, that is how I started off. Like I said everyone is different and I consider myself advance exericiser it is just when it comes to lunges I have a tough time. I did practice alot without the tape and with different weights dumbells, barbell and no weights.
 
a suggestion...

Hi Kim!

Just a suggestion (take it or leave it, right?)...try doing your lunges onto an 8-inch step. This was suggested to me by Cathe and it made a huge difference in my form as well as the amount of weight I was able to use.
 
RE: a suggestion...

I experienced the same discrepancy when I started with Cathe.

Now, I can usually stay with the same weight for both lunges and squats.
 
RE: a suggestion...

Kim Do you mean with weights in hand or barbell or no weights do you do this to get proper form then progress to the floor
Thanks Lisa
 
RE: a suggestion...

I sometimes do static lunges with my front foot on either a 4" or a 6" step. It makes me able to dip a bit deeper into the movement (to hit the glutes) without making my knee come forward or putting pressure on the knee.
 
Hi Kim

Sorry for not making that clear...it is your front foot that is on the step. Give it a try and see if that helps out!
 
Hi Kim,

Just finished doing Power Hour. When Cathe mentioned during static lunges that you don't need a lot of weight when doing them, I thought of your post. Cathe says that the exercise is all about balance and form. So don't worry if you're using lighter weights for lunges.

And yes, I did try using the top step of my Fanny Lifter when I first tried doing lunges (not the static kind) because I wobbled so much. It helped to have a "target" for my foot.

Also, I mentioned that I use dumbbells for squats and lunges. I do this sometimes because my scoliosis makes it uncomfortable for me to hold on to a barbell for too long (in workouts like Power Hour). When I do use dumbbells, I make sure to put a nicely rolled, thick towel around my shoulders. Hope this clarifies things...

Pinky
 
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