Really weak squats at first- Normal?

I am 19 and have been lifting (mainly bench and curls, deadlifts, rows, and shrugs) for 2-3 years now. For the first time ever really, I decided to start squatting today. Now, due to genetics and uphill running and all my legs are pretty big and decently defined (26' thigh and 18' calves on a 210 lb body) and I really thought even begining, I would be able to squat a decent amount. Well just putting on two 45 plates for a 'warmup' set I realized I could not go ass to grass with controlled form. It was a very awkward feeling squatting with weight on my shoulders. So, I stripped the bar to a miniscule, embarrasing amount and proceeded to squat. Is it normal to be this weak your first time trying and getting used to squatting? I really feel like shit after learning how weak I am at the squat and I'd just like to know if others have had similar humbling experiences? Thanks for reading.

It is totally normal..think of people you know who dont lift...they couldnt do shit..start with the 45 pound bar and add.

Don't worry, you'll get stronger very quickly.

I was in pretty good shape...running and lots and lots of jumping...jump rope, etc.

But the squat is simply a new thing to the body. I could bench more than squat at first. But just start off light the 1st 3 workouts. Then slap the 45's on and go down only 6 inches first rep, 20 second rep...but inch down...build your confidence...feel the weight.

Then second set...go all the way down...try to come up...but don't be afraid to just dump the weight...carefully! But you will probably make it up. If you barely make it up, let that be it for that weight for the day. drop weight but know that next workout, that weight belongs to you!

good luck!

HAH! when I first started lifting (not that I'm anything to brag about now) I had been COMPLETELY sedentary apart from belly dancing sporadically, my whole life, I couldn't even squat the bar( 20kg in Aussie speak) I had to spend several weeks learning squatting technique without any weight, don't bother feeling lame, that is wasted effort. The fact that you are butching up and attempting squats is indicative that you will not spend long at this level. Jezz

My first squat (tuesday) was a DB-deep-squat. I legpress 150 kg easily, but barrely managed 23 reps of 2*20 kg DB squats (include 80 Kg bodyweight). Now I've read that the deep squats are harder than the regular ones, but still... my muscles still hurt today (friday) from that experience.

????

I disagree. Keep the form (ass-to-grass) always. Reduce weight and increase gradually.

Warm up with no weights or bar only with full form.

When I first started squatting I worked up to something like over 200 probably well above parallel. When I tried deep squatting for the first time, I got stuck at the bottom with 65 lbs.

It's normal, little grasshopper. Soon you will be strong like bull!

I agree, never sacrifice form, especially if you're just learning. Your neuron's are learning their firing sequence; in a short while the correct form will seem natural to you, and the weight you can safely squat will quickly go up.

I really miss that Pretty much nothing makes me sore anymore. Even when it does happen it does not last very long.

Good to see you're finally doing some real squats, Keith. Maybe it'll help you put mass on those teeny legs of yours.