Hey Lauren 
Returning to strength training/the gym after a couple months off due to coming down hard with the flu followed by a bad GI flare up 
I’m slowly building up from lighter free weights (DB/KB) and using the lowest settings on machines, but I’m struggling a bit with how to get back to squats/bench press/BB deadlifts as the bar still feels a bit intimidating and heavy.
Do you have any suggested progressions for these, tips for getting back under the bar and/or ways you typically start brand new clients off with compound lifts?
Hey!
So a great place to start would be to check if your gym has any technique bars or lighter. In my gym we have technique bars that are 5kg & some lighter bars at 15kg.
For squats you can use a box for confidence.
Bench press you could utilise a smith machine or use a training partner for a spot.
Deadlift I would always recommend using a bumper plate. Some gyms have large technique bumpers in 2.5kg but most start at 5. If this feels heavy then perform less reps & slowly build up over the coming weeks.
If any of these feel too much just keep to dumbbell work until confidence grows. I know it’s frustrating when you compare to where you used to be, but don’t rush it if you’re not ready. You can make unbelievable progress and really nail technique with DB’s which will only benefit you when you progress. Let me know if this makes sense/helps x
Thanks @Lauren_Trans4mCoach - super helpful 
I’ll stick to perfecting those DB exercises for now and keep working towards the heavier weights 