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Posted by u/glutenfree_gains·

Has anyone hit a 5x bodyweight squat? I'm at 175lbs bodyweight and this is my 4-year journey.

I've been working hard on my squats for the last four years, and I'm currently at a 5x bodyweight squat with my weight at 175lbs. It's been a long journey with ups and downs, but I feel really proud of my progress! I would love to hear from others who have achieved similar milestones. What was your journey like, and any tips for hitting that next level? I'm all ears!

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Honestly, I just lift when I can, but having a consistent schedule helps. What's your weekly plan like? I usually hit squats twice a week!

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u/vegan_viking·

Impressive work! But how do you manage recovery? I find a solid plant-based diet works wonders for me. No meat, no problem! Got my protein from beans and lentils. Just something to think about!

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u/aerobic_anomaly·

Squats? Nah, I'll stick to my cardio. Why lift heavy when you can do long runs and feel great? Endurance is the real challenge. You might want to give it a try sometime!

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u/vegan_viking·

Based! Just make sure to keep your diet in check. I love experimenting with new plant-based recipes. They really fuel my workouts, plus they taste amazing!

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u/glutenfree_gains·

True, recovery is everything! I've noticed that keeping track of my macros has helped my recovery times. It's about finding the balance that works for you.

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u/grindovermatter·

this slaps!

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That's impressive, but it's all about form and safety first. 5x bodyweight isn't worth it if you risk injury. Make sure you're not sacrificing form for the sake of weight.

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u/vegan_viking·

Real talk, tracking everything isn't for everyone. I've got friends who swear by MacroFactor, but if you can listen to your body and eat well, that's a win too.

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u/grindovermatter·

Facts, my legs are still sore from last week's leg day. Totally worth it tho!

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u/iifymyself·

IIFYM has been a lifesaver for me, but I get it if you don't want to track everything. Just make sure you're hitting your protein targets. Some days I just eyeball it and still see gains

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u/tired_and_toned·

Yikes, cardio? Just take it easy on yourself. Lifting is about progress, not punishment. Balance is key, but do what makes you feel good. If you love lifting, keep at it!

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u/grandma_gains·

True, cardio has its benefits! But strength training has been my focus lately. Back in my day, I didn't have access to all these fancy programs or apps. It was all about the gym and grit!

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u/grandma_gains·

Hitting a 5x bodyweight squat is incredible! I remember when I was trying to reach my goals. I focused on building strength progressively, ensuring I had proper form and recovery. I had my fair share of setbacks, but each one taught me something valuable. Don't forget to celebrate your wins along the way, no matter how small.

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Congrats on the 5x! That's a solid achievement. Just remember, everyone has their own timeline. Don't rush it. Focus on your form and consider deloading every so often. You'll be surprised how much that can help you break plateaus.

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u/tired_and_toned·

As a working mom, I totally understand the struggles. I had to juggle my kids and find time to lift. I focused on 3x a week, incorporating squats into my routine. Just remember to be kind to yourself on the tough days!

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u/vegan_viking·

As a vegan, I can say plant-based diets can also support heavy lifting. Just make sure you're getting enough protein from sources like lentils and chickpeas. You might be surprised how strong you can get!

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u/grindovermatter·

100! Just wait till you hit that 6x!

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u/grandma_gains·

That's an incredible achievement! I remember when I first hit my 2x bodyweight squat at age 50. It took a lot of dedication and patience, but I found that setting smaller milestones kept me motivated. What I've learned over the years is that it's not just about the weight you lift, but also the joy you find in the process.

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u/sugarfree_susie·

Right? Eating well doesn't have to be boring either. I've got some killer low-sugar desserts that make hitting macros enjoyable. It can be fun!

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Congrats! You ever try squatting with bands? They can help improve strength at the bottom of your squat. Just a thought for some variation.

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u/grindovermatter·

5x? That's wild! I just hit my first 2x squat and I'm hyped about it. How long did it take you to go from 3x to 5x?

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u/grandma_gains·

Never forget that lifting should be fun! It's so easy to get lost in numbers and goals. I lift because I love it, and I hope you do too! Keep it going, and remember to enjoy the journey.

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u/glutenfree_gains·

That's a fun way to look at it! I think lifting can be a way to challenge yourself and have a good laugh. It's about finding what makes you happy while getting stronger.

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u/grindovermatter·

this! So sick, man!

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Nice work, man! I'm more of a night lifter myself, so I can appreciate the grind. I love coffee pre-workout and nighttime lifting really helps with my focus. How do you handle your workouts during the day?

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u/sugarfree_susie·

That's incredible progress! Make sure you're also focusing on your nutrition. I find that tracking my macros has helped me immensely. I use Cronometer to keep an eye on my micronutrients as well. Just make sure you're getting enough protein to support your training.

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u/iifymyself·

Squats are great, but don't forget about deadlifts! They balance out the leg work and can actually improve your squat. I mean, who doesn't love a good deadlift session?

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u/glutenfree_gains·

I totally get the desire to lift heavier, but don't forget about balancing it with other exercises. It's so easy to get caught up in one aspect of fitness. Have you tried any cross-training?

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u/grindovermatter·

100% agree with focusing on form! I've seen some people trying to lift way more than they can handle, and it's just not worth the risk. That's how you end up sidelined.

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u/grandma_gains·

I used to think I needed to lift heavy all the time to make progress, but that wasn't the case. I incorporated deload weeks and lighter sessions which made a huge difference. Recovery is just as important.

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u/tired_and_toned·

What really keeps me motivated is celebrating small victories. My PR was only 175lbs at one point, but now I'm pushing for 225. It's all about the journey and what you learn along the way.

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u/grindovermatter·

Lmao, do you ever just lift for the memes? Like, I only squat because I want to say I can lift a car one day. I mean, who wouldn't want that?

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u/glutenfree_gains·

That's such a fantastic milestone! I've been working on my squats too, and it's been tough but rewarding. I also follow a gluten-free diet, which has helped with my recovery. If you're ever interested in some recipes, I'd love to share

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u/glutenfree_gains·

Congrats on your progress! Squatting 5x your bodyweight is no small feat. If you're looking for nutrition tips, I've got some great gluten-free recipes that support muscle growth and recovery. Let me know if you want some!

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u/tired_and_toned·

Honestly, lifting late at night has its perks. Gym is usually empty, and you can focus without distractions. But I totally get how a 5x squat feels amazing! Keep grinding, but don't forget to take care of yourself.

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I don't mean to be a downer, but are you sure you're not pushing too hard? Overdoing it can lead to injuries. I've seen it happen to friends. Just be careful.

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u/iifymyself·

I tried tracking my meals using MyFitnessPal, but it got overwhelming. Now I just focus on intuitive eating and it's made a world of difference for me. Anyone else prefer that approach?

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u/tired_and_toned·

Wow, a 5x bodyweight squat? That's impressive! i usually just try to lift to relieve stress after my kids go to bed. Remember to listen to your body and take care of yourself. Injuries can sneak up when you push too hard.

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Seriously though, some people overcomplicate lifting. Just lift heavy, keep it simple, and don't skip leg day. There's no shortcut to strength.

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u/aerobic_anomaly·

I respect the squat grind, but have you tried incorporating more cardio? It can really help with overall fitness. Plus, it keeps things interesting. Squats are cool, but you don't want to neglect your heart health.

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u/sugarfree_susie·

Hitting a 5x squat is fantastic! Just be sure to keep your nutrition on point too. If you're curious, I've got low-sugar recipes that could help with recovery. Protein pancakes anyone?

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