[RavenWolf]

I never actually did squats and lunges in my workout routines years ago. I'm wanting to ease into strength training and incorporate these moves into my exercise program.

I do have very poor upper body strength. I'm working on that, but I have not seen to much progress as of yet. In fact, 5 pound dumbbells currently strain me and make me shake. I am really embarrassed by this and am upset I let myself get so week.

So I'm looking for advice on easing back into things. And I'm assuming I need to greatly increase my upper body strength before adding in squats?

[2FatCats]

Do body weight squats!

Get the correct form first, then add weight as you go!
Google "learn correct squat form against a wall" and find a video to watch.

Good Luck!

[krampus]

You can have strong legs and weak arms. I did for years! Body weight squats are a good start.

As for upper body - I was probably similar when I started lifting weights. If you keep at it and push yourself (straining is a good thing) you should see # lifted increase pretty consistently in the first few months.