silly squat question

Grubworm1943

i didnt go through the forum so i dont know if this has been posted before but i had a question about squats.
my knees hate them. i dont know if its the extra weight, the family history of bad joints, or a mixture of the two. but i cant squat with my feet shoulder width apart. it hurts my knees, and i feel like i cant do it without my knees going past my toes.
is there any danger in squatting with a wider stand? because that i can do.

and if not and if it is just a over weight, not enough muscle issue, will it just improve in time with the widder stand squatting- if that makes sense?

JeffseekingV

Post a video so we can see your form. It's impossible to really know what you are doing w/o it. but you can try to point your toes out a bit to see if it's easier on your knees

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Yes, you can use a slightly wider stance. It's okay if your knees go in front of your toes. The bar should remain above the center of your feet however.

rand486

I'd suggest you have a certified trainer teach you proper form - they'll be able to modify the exercises for you so it's safe, and fits your body.

I am always reluctant to see people follow advice online from unqualified Internet strangers when there's a real risk of injury...

hill8570

Just make sure you don't let your knees cave in if you go wide. And it's more work for your hamstrings and glutes when you do wide (not necessarily a bad thing). Otherwise, have at.

Lofteren

There's nothing wrong with squatting with a wide stance. Just make sure you have the mobility to keep your knees tracking over your toes and sit back plenty to help keep the tension split evenly between your quads, hamstrings and glutes.

branflakes1980

I have horrible knees as well. I have just come to terms with the fact that I am not going to be able to pull huge #'s in the squat rack. I do however have my legs wider than shoulder width when I squat and I find that pointing my toes slightly outwards helps me a bit. Try different squat techniques. Sumo squats, bulgarian split squats etc. Or just go lighter and do more reps. But I do agree you should have someone qualified check your form.

MrCoolGrim

rand486 wrote: »

I'd suggest you have a certified trainer teach you proper form - they'll be able to modify the exercises for you so it's safe, and fits your body.

I am always reluctant to see people follow advice online from unqualified Internet strangers when there's a real risk of injury...

^^^ This. And if you do not have access to a trainer look up proper squatting form on you tube. There are hundreds of videos. I would also recommend starting light and working your way up and focusing on form. This will help prevent injury and ensure your are working out effectively.

FullOnBurn

Chances are that it a lack of flexibility and hip mobility more than bad knees. They are crucial to proper squat form. Just google those terms and you will come up with a lot of material