Weight-lifting problem

[Fender]

Hey guys, I've got a bit of a problem.

I've been doing squats for about 2 months now. I've been increasing the weight steadily over the past months, but recently, I couldn't increase it. It wasn't because my legs weren't up to it, it's because my back hurts like a b*tch! The Bar is crushing my back. I can't push my legs to "death" like i used to. I already put a layered towel on the bar, but it still hurts. Advice? I was thinknig of switching to leg presses.

-fender-

 

[King of You]

quit being such a *****. Build up your back muscles and it wont hurt. get rid of that towel it will **** up your form.

 

[MetalFortress]

Your LOWER back? If that's the case, work on your form. If you mean where the bar touches your back, suck it up. It comes with the territory.

 

[MindOverMatter]

you can always switch to front squats for a bit.

 

[Create Reality]

Do a few shrugs before you hit the bar. Get those muscles accustomed to moving and being moved.

The weight of the barbell is signifigantly concentrated into one line on your back. Using a pad or towel will help to distribute the weight over a wider surface and the focused energy of the barbell will not pwn your back. Its the same thing as stilletto heels; those things can crack a hardwood floor. You must distribute the weight over as much area as possible.

 

[Warboss Alex]

You've been cheating on your squats so far then, by using your back to support the barbell instead of your whole body - your back wasn't straight. It's not an insult, so many people cheat on squats (out of the pitiful few who actually do them, which makes it even sadder), sometimes subconsciously to make it hurt them less or whatever.

If you'd been doing them properly your lower back would be perfectly capable of comfortably taking the weight, as it would have progressed as your squat weights did.

If your legs couldn't take it then I'd say take Mind's advice and do front squats or hack squats for a bit (until you get stuck on THEM, then change back to free squats) - but if it's your back then halve your squat weight, and concentrate on the form. I'll bet that once your form's better, your back won't hurt and your weight will go up even quicker.

EDIT: just reread the posts again, if you mean that the bar digs into your back and it hurts and THAT'S what you're complaining about then you're obviously not ready for squats, just stick to leg pressing or lunges with pink dumbbells.

 

[Fender]

Thanks Create Reality, I think a few shrugs or pullups will warm up my upper back for the crushing that'll come ahead.

Warboss, I was talking about the pain where the bar rests on the upper back. My lower back is fine thank you

King of You, I don't see how a towel will mess up my form. Care to explain?

I guess the best I can do for now is to keep my squating weight the same, and do a few weeks of upper back exercise. Hopefully, after the few weeks, I my upper back can take more pain from the bar.

-fender-

 

[Jay-X]

i usually squat with no more than 100lbs + bar, because i got very light bones and my back was starting to hurt too much... i remember once doing 165lbs and then not being able to bend my back for the rest of the day (and my legs were alright)

plus, i noticed that when i do 3 sets of 12 reps with 110lbs, my legs are far more sore than when i do 3 sets of 12 reps with 150 lbs... surely it's all about form

 

[Warboss Alex]

Originally posted by Fender
Warboss, I was talking about the pain where the bar rests on the upper back. My lower back is fine thank you
-fender-

Then there's always the leg press.

 

[Create Reality]

http://www.adfit.com/mantaray/index.asp

http://www.adfit.com/stingray/index.asp

I've used the Manta Ray and I can say it does what it advertises. It's hard to get into it's groove but when you find the sweet spot it really allows you to focus more on the actual squat.

 

[Live-n-learn]

Do you do Deadlifts?

Maybe that can help you strengthen your lower back a bit.