When to stop adding weight to the bar

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi there,

I’m at a crossroads with my squat where I would like to keep adding weight to the bar, but also know I need to work on form - have cleaned it up recently but know it still needs work (discussion here if relevant [Low Bar Squat form check - Training Discussion - Barbell Medicine Forum)

What do you see as the determining factors that would mean I should stop trying to add weight and work on form? I’ve been stuck for a while, making slow progress and the need to clean up my form has required I drop the weights back. I see two options:

  1. keep the weight as it is and work on perfecting form before increasing weight - I don’t think my form is super bad, but do recognise it needs work
  2. recognise that perfecting form is an ongoing process, and some days form will be better than others, and as long as I can critique my sets and see where I need to improve, I should try to incorporate this whilst adding weight (should note that I am not adding weight weekly/session by session, just when I feel I can)

I just don’t want to get stuck in a cycle of making strength gains, but as the expense of form, and then having to drop the weights again.

What are your experiences with this? Would you continue adding weight, or work on your form first?](Low Bar Squat form check - Training Discussion - Barbell Medicine Forum)

Thanks

2

Pat,

I’m not sure how much we can glean from a single here, but it’s not like your form is terrible or anything. If you want to get stronger, we’d recommend continuing to pursue that while trying to improve technique each time you get to train. Even veteran lifters are typically trying to work on something everytime they practice…err…train.

I’m not sure keeping weight the same is good way to get strong or improve technique. I also don’t think “dropping the weight to work on form” is a good strategy. Rather, we should make appropriate programming choices to pursue the goals we deem important while working on technique.

-Jordan

3

Thank you Jordan - I must admit that I was confused on what to do moving forwards (some advice to drop weight, some to move forward), so your advice is reassuring to hear, appreciate it.