barbell pain

[thinsgreat]

i started increasing the weight on the barbell and have had a lot of discomfort in my back and shoulders--- i use a barbell pad-- not sure what to do-- is this normal and i'll just acclimate? weight amount feels fine for legs( squats and lunges)

 

[meowracer]

My thoughts are this: are you hunching your shoulders, sort of scrunching/tensing up anticipating the weight? Maybe you need a new pad that is softer/more padded? As for your back, are you picking up the bar safely- setting down safely, and watching your form? Always better to back off some rather than forcing more weight if you are having discomfort. I have a hard time listening to my own advice when I tell myself that though...

 

[thinsgreat]

i am trying to watch my form--- maybe i should have someone at the gym watch me--- you know i just did a search and found that many people have neck/shoulder pain from barbells--- hmmm, wondering if this is a good thing to do or not? maybe stick with dbs?

 

[meowracer]

I know that I have to be careful not to scrunch up my shouders when using a barbell and as long as I watch that, I'm ok. With dumbbells, you still have to be careful to not let them pull you down and lose your form that way - keep shoulders back, head aligned, watch your back still, etc. Good luck!

 

[thinsgreat]

thanks for the supportative words... you seem to know a great deal-- have read many of your posts

 

[meowracer]

Wow- thank you! That makes me feel great! I am always reading on here and have learned a lot that way, plus I read articles, books, and after years of working out, have caught on to some that way. These forums are a super place to ask and learn Hope you figure something out with the barbell, or with subbing dumbbells.