Squat plateau and loss of confidence - UK-Muscle Body Building Community

Beklet · 22-04-2008, 11:02 AM

Exactly what it says on the tin....

I used to really like doing squats. I had a goal that was to squat my bodyweight. I've now reached it but I've lost confidence. I'm fine doing warm up sets and all up until the last set, but I'm worried I'll drop the bar and it just stops me putting any more weight on the bar!

I know it's a mental block but I need to snap out of it!

I've been piling on the weight on the leg press to try to help, but it just isn't!

Any suggestions for building my confidence up?

If it matters, I use a squat rack - for some reason I find the Smith machine very uncomfortable and unnatural :redface:

TH&S · 22-04-2008, 11:02 AM

Get a spotter in the gym

Beklet · 22-04-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TH&S

Get a spotter in the gym

Not a bad idea, but I don't actually know anyone at the gym - what would you suggest as the right way to go about it? I am a colossal coward (but it is leg day today) :(

TH&S · 22-04-2008, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beklet

Not a bad idea, but I don't actually know anyone at the gym - what would you suggest as the right way to go about it? I am a colossal coward (but it is leg day today) :(

Just ask someone for a spot on your top set.

I don't know what you are lifting with, but I'm sure you will be fine. Just focus on the bar and getting to parallel on the squat.

MXD · 22-04-2008, 11:15 AM

Train in a power rack is my advice.

Bottom on purpose then you know its not that bad.

Beklet · 22-04-2008, 11:22 AM

OK I will bite the bullet later and ask for help - it is quite intimidating though at least in this gym there are plenty of people capable of giving me a spot :biggrin:

Yeah I set the bars about 4" below parallel just in case it goes tits up but doesn't stop me from panicking!

Stupid thing is, I know what the problem is...

(apart from fear of looking a total plonker :redface: )

Some arrogant git who barged past me while doing squats (at my old gym), knocked the bar and I completely lost balance, trying to stay upright nearly put my back out I was not impressed! Annoying thing was one of the gym staff who told me maybe I shouldn't be doing squats if I couldn't handle the weight (yes I complained about him)

BLUE(UK) · 22-04-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beklet

Some arrogant git who barged past me while doing squats (at my old gym), knocked the bar and I completely lost balance, trying to stay upright nearly put my back out I was not impressed! Annoying thing was one of the gym staff who told me maybe I shouldn't be doing squats if I couldn't handle the weight (yes I complained about him)

What...the...fcuk??!!

I would've no doubt been erm...'having words' directly!!

Ollie B · 22-04-2008, 05:12 PM

You have got to have the right frame of mind to do this. Sounds like you need a spotter to give that extra confidence. Just say " Excuse me mate, mind giving me a spot?"

Beklet · 22-04-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUE(UK)

What...the...fcuk??!!

I would've no doubt been erm...'having words' directly!!

The numpty who nudged me got asked what the f uck he was doing! Most amusing - he was over 6 feet tall and built like a brick ****house and this short****d bint shouting at him - his face was scarlet!!!

As for the instructor, he got told that I'm quite capable of handling the weight, as long as it's balanced across my shoulders and not moved by some muppet who can't wait for me to finish my set!

I was feeble earlier and didn't ask for a spot (mind you there was no-one else in the weights room anyway...) but then I'm day 2 of low carb, was hungry and no way I'd have done a squat at that weight. And I went slightly lower than usual. Only 10kg off my best for leg press though so that's not bad

Con · 22-04-2008, 07:11 PM

Who cares what you can squat if you want to be a body builder, work on your current working weight for a lot more reps.
FYI if thats you in the picture kudos as i love the goth look!

crazycal1 · 22-04-2008, 08:30 PM

if you could get some 0.5kg plates and add only 1 kg(a bag of sugar)each week the fact that you could handled the previous weight may restore your confidence.
lol if that makes sense.

Beklet · 22-04-2008, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazycal1

if you could get some 0.5kg plates and add only 1 kg(a bag of sugar)each week the fact that you could handled the previous weight may restore your confidence.
lol if that makes sense.

It does

I think the gym has 1,25kg plates so that might help

And Con yes it's me but not red anymore :(

Lea · 08-05-2008, 11:58 PM

I love squats even after I slipped and twisted my knee popped a rib and heard a nice crack and sharp pain in my kneck.

6 months later and I am back squatting.

I now use a smith machine and a bench. Squat down until my bum hits the bench then its back up again. I find it isolates my legs better and gives me a bit of confidence.