135lbs SQUAT PR 🥹💪

Hitting 135 lbs on my squat felt absolutely surreal! I've been working towards this personal record for a while now, and seeing that weight move felt like a massive victory. It's more than just a number; it's a testament to consistency, pushing past doubts, and celebrating every small step along the way. When I first started, even the empty bar felt heavy and intimidating, so reaching 135 lbs for a clean single rep is something I'm incredibly proud of. Many of you might be asking, 'Is squatting 135 lbs good?' And honestly, the answer depends on your individual journey and where you're starting from! For me, as a woman who's been consistently lifting, it feels like a really strong milestone. Generally, for women, a 135 lbs squat is considered a good intermediate to advanced lift, especially when performed with proper form. It signifies a solid foundation of lower body strength, core stability, and consistent training. For some, it might be an ultimate goal, while for others, it's a stepping stone. What truly matters is your progress relative to your starting point, not comparing yourself to others. My journey to 135 lbs wasn't without its challenges. I remember struggling with my form initially, watching countless videos and even recording myself to make sure my depth was good and my knees weren't caving in. What truly made a difference was consistently implementing progressive overload – gradually increasing the weight, reps, or sets over time. Even adding just 2.5 lbs to each side felt like a win. I also focused heavily on accessory exercises, like glute bridges, RDLs, and core work, which significantly boosted my squat strength and stability. There were weeks where I felt stuck, hitting a plateau and wondering if I'd ever get stronger. During those times, deload weeks (reducing the weight for a week) or switching up my rep scheme (doing higher reps instead of low-rep heavy sets) really helped. I also paid more attention to my nutrition and recovery, making sure I was eating enough protein and getting quality sleep. It’s amazing how much of an impact these often-overlooked factors have on performance. Beyond the numbers, consistent squatting has transformed my body and my confidence. My glutes and legs feel stronger and more defined, and I carry myself with more self-assurance. Now that I've hit 135 lbs, I'm already eyeing my next goal – perhaps 145 lbs or improving my 5-rep max with this weight, all while maintaining perfect form. If you're on your own strength journey, keep pushing! Every squat, every rep, counts. Celebrate your progress, stay consistent, and trust the process. You're stronger than you think!