Never done squats or deads. How to get started?

[Intensity]

I was thinking of starting both at say 95 lbs for a set of 10 and pyramid down to 8,6,4,2 while jumping 10 lbs every set. I'm 6' 210 24 years old. Is 95 lbs. too light? Too heavy? This is for a complete newbie to squats.

[Jaster]

Originally Posted by Intensity

I was thinking of starting both at say 95 lbs for a set of 10 and pyramid down to 8,6,4,2 while jumping 10 lbs every set. I'm 6' 210 24 years old. Is 95 lbs. too light? Too heavy? This is for a complete newbie to squats.

I would try to find a mentor or a trainer to show you the right form.
Form means 200% more then the weight you use!!
I would go as far as just useing the bar to get the feel of the movements. The bar alone weighs 45Lbs. Trust me "The Big Guys" wont think you're silly. They were there once too ( i'm one of them). It's always better to start light and go heavy as needed!!
Once you feel good doing the moves the weight will pack on quick!!

Good luck :

[Wolfnatas]

There are plenty of articles on the web about proper deadlifting and squat form if you dig around for it. I made sure to read up extensively on both before trying them at home. It can't hurt to have the supervision of a trainer, but if you don't have access to one, just do plenty of research. I'd stay under 100 pounds for the first 2 or 3 times doing each exercise and just focus intensely on your form. There's no need to go adding weight until you're fairly certain you're not blowing out your knees or wasting your back. If you have a mirror in your workout area, it can help alot with spotting problem areas if you've read up on the subject and know what to look for.

[Jackal]

Respect the light weight.... if you dont stay tight/focused you could injure yourself. Listen to these guys.

[s.eichers]

A good starting point to learn the proper form for the squat... http://www.bodybuildinguniverse.com/article9.htm . I'd also recommend getting your form down with just the bar before starting. Have fun! ~Steve

[Gohan]

I started Stiff Leg Deads with the 45's. It should be easier since the bar will be higher off the ground then if you just have the 25's on.

[tweeter]

Originally Posted by Jaster

I would try to find a mentor or a trainer to show you the right form.
Form means 200% more then the weight you use!!
I would go as far as just useing the bar to get the feel of the movements. The bar alone weighs 45Lbs. Trust me "The Big Guys" wont think you're silly. They were there once too ( i'm one of them). It's always better to start light and go heavy as needed!!
Once you feel good doing the moves the weight will pack on quick!!

Good luck :

have to agree with jaster here, i didnt know how to do stiff leg deadlifts other then what i read in articles/saw in videos so i did like 2 sets from what i read/saw with just the bar to watch my form, and sure enough when i added the weight, my lower back,hammies, and legs all together got a great workout

[Intensity]

I was thinking about for the next 4 weeks do reps 15,12,10 and than for 4 weeks after that 12,10,8, and than for 4 weeks after that do 10,8,6, and than finally do 10,8,6,4, with a final fifth set to failure and all of these rep schemes I will be increasing weight every set.

I was also thinking of doing this not only for squats and deads but for all my lifts seeing I haven't lifted in a while. That means Bench, curls, tris, seated rows, lat pulldowns, etc. will be by this schedule and timeline.

What do you guys think. I think by doing it this way I 1)won't injure myself. 2)get my form back 3)build up my lifting stamina so after 12 weeks I can finally go from 3 sets to 5 with the last set of the 5 being to failure.

Is this a good idea?