Squats always feel heavy

[Taner0607]

Im 14 and have recently started lifting as i am very skinny and am very weak. I am very quickly progressing in my squats as i am on a 5x5 sl but no matter what weight i use squats are always difficult. For example, I warm up with 20kg on the barbell then do 55kg sets and both feel identical. I have added on 20kg to my squat in the past month so i think it's related to that. I am also very slowly progressing on my other lifts, for my bench i have been on the same weight for over a week now and i have no idea what im doing wrong other than i have noticed i have been cutting instead of bulking since i dont track my calories. Thanks in advance guys

[hardyboysare]

1. Post some form videos up.

2. As you are skinny eat more. If you can't eat more drink more milk (even better milkshakes).

3. Don't count calories you don't need to just eat what you like with a solid amount of protein.

Once you start gaining weight your lifts will come easier.

[Natty1980]

I wouldn't squat heavy (5x5) at 14 if I were you.

[DCSpartan]

I wouldn't squat heavy (5x5) at 14 if I were you.

5x5 isnt heavy. Its when younger lifters try to heavy singles that they screw up and get hurt. (that also applies to older lifters)

[Natty1980]

5 reps is over 80% of the 1RM, I consider it heavy.
8 reps is medium load, 10-12 reps is light.
Provided of course that one does 5 reps with the right load for 5 reps.

[DCSpartan]

5 reps is over 80% of the 1RM, I consider it heavy.
8 reps is medium load, 10-12 reps is light.
Provided of course that one does 5 reps with the right load for 5 reps.

most 5 x5 sets are about 75-80 percent, which isnt too heavy for abeginner. 80% of 135 isnt the same as 80% of 450.

[dylanstephens54]

most 5 x5 sets are about 75-80 percent, which isnt too heavy for abeginner. 80% of 135 isnt the same as 80% of 450.

80% is still 80% maybe less potential damage but doesent change the heavyness

I am confused by your logic saying 80% in 5x5 is not heavy

[TolerantLactose]

80% is still 80% maybe less potential damage but doesent change the heavyness

I am confused by your logic saying 80% in 5x5 is not heavy

80% for a novice is more because of inefficient technique and recruitment of muscle than for more advanced lifters. A novice can go another set at 80% far sooner than an intermediate or advanced because he isn't taxed nearly as much.

[WakingOp]

80% for a novice is more because of inefficient technique and recruitment of muscle than for more advanced lifters. A novice can go another set at 80% far sooner than an intermediate or advanced because he isn't taxed nearly as much.

True. 4 months in and I'm finally needing more than a minute between sets

[sooby]

5x5 isnt heavy. Its when younger lifters try to heavy singles that they screw up and get hurt. (that also applies to older lifters)

This, at 14 our high school program had us doing 3x5s which are even heavier and occasionally we would max out according to the program that we were following laid out by our fitness teacher. Granted it's under safe conditions in a school environment. Even did power cleans, deadlifts and all that.

OP you should be eating more. It doesn't really matter how it feels in terms of heavy or light. If you can complete the prescribed sets with good form you're alright. You've also just started lifting. Give things time.