What is the best support for knees for heavy squats?

BetterKimmer
BetterKimmer Posts: 178 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am not really feeling challenged by my barbell squats the last couple of months and I noticed I am starting a habit of bad form at or above 155lbs. I could lift more if my knee didn't hurt and want to give out. I tried a knee sleeve for support, but it doesn't really help. Any ideas for the best way to support my knees?

Replies

  • BetterKimmer
    BetterKimmer Posts: 178 Member
    really? nothing?
  • _Resolve_
    _Resolve_ Posts: 735 Member
    I wear sleeves BUT if you are having that much discomfort in your knees i would take a hard look at your form.
  • MagnumBurrito
    MagnumBurrito Posts: 1,070 Member
    Good form is the best support.

    My guess is you're not sitting back far enough. Pretend there's a box behind you that your butt is going to touch. Don't think "bend knees" at the top of your squat. Think "drop the butt."

    If the pain continues, take a video of your next squat session and share it here or somewhere else that checks form.
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    I wear sleeves BUT if you are having that much discomfort in your knees i would take a hard look at your form.

    Your weight shouldn't be on your knees. talk to your instructor about your form.
  • Nanierh85
    Nanierh85 Posts: 118
    Good form is the best support.

    My guess is you're not sitting back far enough. Pretend there's a box behind you that your butt is going to touch. Don't think "bend knees" at the top of your squat. Think "drop the butt."

    If the pain continues, take a video of your next squat session and share it here or somewhere else that checks form.

    ^
    This

    I wear SBD knee sleeves, they are pricey but I love them.
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member
    Knee Wraps > Knee Sleeves. That said, you should NEVER have pain when lifting nor should your knees feel like they're going to "give out". I'd suggest deloading and working on your form.
  • perfect10isha
    perfect10isha Posts: 200 Member
    Like previous posters said it's most likely your form. I have a bad knee as well and heavy squatting has helped strengthen the muscles around my knee, which has helped with knee pain. Whenever I squat and my form is off I tend to have knee pain the next day. My pain is due to inflammation so I take Ibubrofen for a day or so to reduce the inflammation before I lift again. I've also started taking a Glucosamine supplement daily that my doctor recommended for knee health. Being mindful of my form, and treating inflammation right away have allowed me to stay on schedule. I don't wear any type of knee support/brace when I lift, I focus on getting my butt down and keeping my knees out.
  • BetterKimmer
    BetterKimmer Posts: 178 Member
    Good form is the best support.

    My guess is you're not sitting back far enough. Pretend there's a box behind you that your butt is going to touch. Don't think "bend knees" at the top of your squat. Think "drop the butt."

    If the pain continues, take a video of your next squat session and share it here or somewhere else that checks form.

    Video is a good idea. I am usually solo though. :ohwell: I on lower weight I am positive of dropping and driving thru my butt, not so much with the heavier weigh, so that's where I get the idea it's my knee as the problem.. Need a spotter I suppose.
  • Ryderod
    Ryderod Posts: 103 Member
    As mentioned, correct form is vital. however, I found that after knee surgery, when I was able to start training again, that knee wraps helped immensely in allowing me to start squatting again.
  • BetterKimmer
    BetterKimmer Posts: 178 Member
    Then what is the purpose of sleeves or knee support if not to relieve knee pain during exercise? I am going to revisit my form, just curious how a sleeve helps and if I should still use it. ???
  • Nanierh85
    Nanierh85 Posts: 118
    Knee sleeves give you somewhat of a bounce on your way up, they also compress your knees and they keep them warm. I use sleeves plus my Inov-8 210's (shoes) and I feel a lot more stability when squatting.

    I ask random people at the gym to record me when I squat and they do it :)
  • BetterKimmer
    BetterKimmer Posts: 178 Member
    Ok. Cool. I will keep it then. I can always use a little more bounce. :tongue:

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