Jane, thanks for the link! I read that thread and another and it was very informative. I haven't ever used the Smith for squats. Only the deadlifts yesterday, but it did feel unnatural to me because my body was trying to find its own balance but the fixed bar prevented that. I did deadlifts with just the barbell and weights the first time and I think may just go back to that beginning with just the bar and then slowly moving up.
My back feels a lot less sore today after the deadlifts than the first day, so I think the guy did help me with my form. He helped me to focus on using my legs and keeping my head up with shoulders and core engaged.
For squats, I've been holding 15# dumbbells at my shoulders and doing squats like that. On Wed. I will try 15# then 20# and see what happens. I'm gradually working myself up to the barbell. It seems kind of long for someone as short as me so a little intimidating!
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