I'm a woman. Is squatting 2X my bodyweight a realistic goal?
 

I've been lifting weights in the gym now for a few months. Machines mostly.

But I'm looking to branch out and set some realistic goals.

After reading some of the weight lifting threads here I have decided to start with squats. But I really have no idea what to expect of myself as far as goal setting.

I've done a lot of reading and have been practicing air squats for a few days days. One thing that I noticed was how hard it was to do it in my running shoes so I bought squat specific shoes based on this advice.

I'm really worried about messing up my knees so I want to be very careful with my mechanics and it seems that either wearing squat shoes or going barefoot is the way to go. There's no way I'm going barefoot at the gym. lol

I have the basic movement down and will be going to the gym this afternoon to try squatting with just the bar. I've been following the progression recommended here just about to the letter so I do feel I'm ready.

I weight 130 pounds right now at 5'5". Do you think that squatting 260 is a realistic goal, or should I set the bar a little lower? **pun intended**

Be careful and start off slow. That all depends on the squat. Overhead squat, I don't see it being possible. Front squat is highly unlikely. Back squat may be possible but will probably take a while to get there. The deeper you go, the harder it will be. I've never set the world on fire with my squats but I usually go deeper than most people. I see a lot of people doing a 1/4 squat that think it's a full rep.

Squats.......... The King of all compound lifts !!!

Though your goal is high for now, it's absolutely possible to obtain. Here is one of the best ways to up your squats.

Smolov Program – Smolov Jr

You didn't list what else your doing but you should also be doing the other compound lifts. You need balance to keep healthy...... you wouldn't only train squats is what I'm saying.

Squat down to parallel or below !!!!!