So, um, I'm certain you all will know this ...

[resolute]

What's the difference between a squat and a deadlift? Actually, practically, when I am at the Y, what should I be doing differently between them?

Comments

[thalia]

For squats, if you can't manage a barbell on your shoulders, you can always hold dumbbells in your hands. Don't know if you've tried that.

And I think most people can deadlift higher weights than they can squat. If your gym has lighter barbells, you might want to start with a ten-pound barbell and see how that feels. You'll just need to elevate it a little so you're not having to bend down too far to pick it up--it should be at the height it would be at if it had 45-pound plates.

[rydra_wong]

And I think most people can deadlift higher weights than they can squat.

Yup, and it can vary even more depending on body proportions (which may be more or less suited to squats or deadlifts).

At the moment, my max effort squat still hasn't reached the weight that I use for my warm-up set of deadlifts!

You'll just need to elevate it a little so you're not having to bend down too far to pick it up--it should be at the height it would be at if it had 45-pound plates.

This. Starting with it elevated to plate-height helps protect your lower back.