Why don't you squat?

Sixalicious

Wonder how many people with "bad knees" would have good knees if they strengthening their leg muscles by doing squats with proper form.

^^THIS^^

My knees have actually gotten better from doing squats.

BackTatJIM

Okay. So... power = strong. Strength = bulky. power =/= strength.

I think I got it.

Think you got it wrong, bulk doesn't necessarily mean strength, I mean it [someone's mass] could be a general indicator but there are people smaller/my size that can lift weights I'm nowhere near lifting.

toomuchbootyindapants

My knees hurt like hell when I'd walk up steps, do lunges, etc when I got started. I swear squats helped (and so did losing some weight!). I don't have knee pain EVER now (and I thought I was gonna need knee surgery some of those days due to the pain!).

I just squatted 170# today....*happy dancing*....

And Zercher squats are the *kitten*! Talk about getting a darn good core workout (I feel it more during this style than front or back squats...though box squats really bring it out too).

wellbert

Okay. So... power = strong. Strength = bulky. power =/= strength.

I think I got it.

Think you got it wrong, bulk doesn't necessarily mean strength, I mean it [someone's mass] could be a general indicator but there are people smaller/my size that can lift weights I'm nowhere near lifting.

Strong mofo, but also light weight so, Allegedly used supplements that were legal at the time and not now though.

Also ate a lot of CARBZ.

kjanoudi

I don't want to wreck my knees.

same

karenleona

Well, it's bench press day.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

edge_dragoncaller

I do squat, but not conventional back squats. I prefer front squats. They feel more natural for my body and it's easier to keep my balance through the movement.

When working my legs, I do both. I'll do my heavy sets...3 set, 5 reps of regular squats, then 3 sets / 10 reps of front squats

bellygoaway

I was going to say something like "I squat once a day, and it helps me loose a lot of weight." But then I saw everyone being serious, so I decided not to share.

:ohwell:

CarmenSRT

Wonder how many people with "bad knees" would have good knees if they strengthening their leg muscles by doing squats with proper form.

^^THIS^^

My knees have actually gotten better from doing squats.

This needs a caveat. This depends entirely on the reason you have bad knees. Squats will do wonders for surrounding musculature, and can help immensely if laxity is the source of knee instability and pain for example. They can't do anything to regenerate lost cartilage though. When that's gone, it's gone. That's when you and your doc start deciding what sort of knee replacement you need, and when.

ironanimal

I don't want to wreck my knees.

same

RedHeadDevotchka

I used to do the smith machine and I think I didn't do squats because I was a bit lazy and I was scared.
I squat now though

bcattoes

I squat with dumbbells or high reps without weights. I don't own a barbell.

JustJennie1

I don't want to wreck my knees.

same

If done incorrectly you can blow your knees out when squatting. Why do you think form is so important when doing any sort of exercise that involves bending at the knee? And I specifically said EXERCISE so please don't come back and say "Oh OHHHH! I blew my knee out tying my shoe" or some lame *kitten* crap like that to prove a non-existant point.

ironanimal

If done incorrectly you can blow your knees out when squatting. Why do you think form is so important when doing any sort of exercise that involves bending at the knee? And I specifically said EXERCISE so please don't come back and say "Oh OHHHH! I blew my knee out tying my shoe" or some lame *kitten* crap like that to prove a non-existant point.

Because correctly absorbing the strain through your ankle and knee reduces the strain on your hips.

Two things - firstly, we're assuming here people will do the exercise correctly. I don't think people are going to tell you to do it wrong on purpose.

Secondly, why the *kitten* would I try and claim I blew out my knee tying my shoes?

U jelly brahette?

Iknewyouweretrouble

My gym has smith machines. *wimps!*

sijomial

[/quote]

This needs a caveat. This depends entirely on the reason you have bad knees. Squats will do wonders for surrounding musculature, and can help immensely if laxity is the source of knee instability and pain for example. They can't do anything to regenerate lost cartilage though. When that's gone, it's gone. That's when you and your doc start deciding what sort of knee replacement you need, and when.
[/quote]
Exactly!
Please could people could be a little less free and judgemental with throwing "excuses" around as a reason for not doing squats?
I worked so hard to come back from a major injury that left me with a completely wasted leg but there are things that mechanically I cannot (and should not) do. I've exceeded the prognosis of three surgeons but I cannot run outside, squat, lunge, ski or do contact sports.
I have managed to play competive squash (knee brace), row for two hours, cycle for 80 miles, coach (not play) rugby etc etc.
My time will come when I need a knee replacement - squats would just bring that forward.

DrMAvDPhD

I squat and occasionally have to wait for the one of the TWO squat racks at my gym. Would love to have your situation!

sjohnny

Okay. So... power = strong. Strength = bulky. power =/= strength.

I think I got it.

Think you got it wrong, bulk doesn't necessarily mean strength, I mean it [someone's mass] could be a general indicator but there are people smaller/my size that can lift weights I'm nowhere near lifting.

I was trying to understand what the guy I quoted was saying. You left that part out.

IronSmasher

I never have to wait for the rack, I front squat instead. Having to clean a weight heavy enough for squats is a little annoying when someone is using the rack for shoulder presses though.

iluvprettyshoes

I do squats with a barbell but I prefer the smith machine when I want to squat heavy. Otherwise I'd never get the weight up over my head and onto my shoulders.