Squats help?

Question

Squats are for toned thighs and butts. But I don't do them with weights. What I do is position myself in a squat position which is feet shoulder-width apart, pointing forward. then I hold on to something in front of me usually a pole. and I lower myself until I am in a sitting position and then go back up until my legs are straightened and repeat till my thighs ache. I do so for 10 minutes. Once every week.

Is it ok to do them without weights? as I need to hold on to something to steady myself when I'm doing squats or I'll fall forwards because I can't lower myself to a sitting position. Plus I feel my thighs aching which means it's working. BTW it's mostly the front part of my thighs facing outwards that are aching, is it normal.

Answer 1

The weights might be too heavy right now. Choose a lower weight bar. Also it sounds like you have muscle fatigue. Sometimes hurting or aching is good but don't over do it. To loose weight you have to squat more often without the weights. Maybe like 3-4 times a week. Weights only build up your muscle for strength training.

Answer 2

In terms of the aching, this is normal since your legs are adjusting to the new stimuli.

Also, you can do the squats without weights, but you will not make much progress, since you lack any resistance.

Answer 3

You can certainly gain a benefit without the use of weights. As you condition improves you can add weights as desired.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

You don't need to use weights to get results.

Answer 6

you can start with no weights and then as it gets easier to you just them