I am not doing squats because I am nervous to injure my lower back (again). I do seated leg presses at 150-200% body weight.
If you are just doing squats and a few other core exercises, I would suggest buy a bar and weights and do it at home. Then you could grunt and yell all you want.
I am not saying grunting doesn’t help the lift, it is just annoying for everyone else.
OK, I guess I’ve been wasting my time the last 20 years. I will ignore all that I have learned, and join the recent cross-fit fad and start doing squats until my back gives out.
I usually only strength train 1-2x per week. I have a bunch of much more fun activities (surfing, volleyball, tennis, snowboarding, etc.) that I use the strength training to supplement, particularly in the winter months.
Most “grunters” like to draw attention to themselves. Back in my late teens there was a guy we called the “Gushman” for his grunt. The guy was so big he could do what he wanted. So the bigger you are the louder you can “Gush”.
i acknowledge I may be compensating for a lfietime of extreme weakness, both actual and self-perceived. Now I am eating so much food and protein and lifting so hard and i can feel strength stirring in this frail bony frame. I am so excited about this that i am obviously deranged.
But–
I believe in squats. i think they may be the answer to all problems.
squats will not hurt your knees or back. doing them incorrectly will hurt your knees or back.
start with the bar and work up.
I am extremely, insanely committed ot the squat as my salvation.
I firmly believe the squat is the single best weight training exercise you can perform. Involves every major muscle group, increases your energy, and can eliminate back problems if done correctly. I agree, they can be disasterous to your knees and back if done with poor form.
I used to have a lot of lower back problems as a result of a hyperextension injury while swimming in th ocean. Weight training completely cured me. Keep it up, squats are good for you. And enjoy grunting in your yard.
I will never give up. Also my grunts haven’t elicited any complaints yet. They are more like a muffled strain rep count. One. Two. Etc. I only do 5 reps so it’s nit incessant. I think it’s possible I may not be that offensive. My membership expires in march.
Am I allowed to use weightlifting chalk on the bar in public gym?
If the gym is a “24 Hour Fitness” type then no grunting and no chalk, if it is the “Golds Gym” type then yes to both, just don’t “Oil Up” in either, unless it is more of the “Sandusky” type than that is OK.
Got it. I did make an effort to muffle my self today and it was mostly breathy except for a few Hunh!s. But pretty restrained. I a m truly morphing into an amazing specimen.
