Question on Squats / Alternatives etc

D

davidshan1

0
Hi,

Just looking for some advice on Squats if you don’t mind?

I’ve started back doing squats about 4 months ago. I’ve been trying to build up my legs after a long time of no work on them. Usually do squats once or twice per week followed by leg presses. Rep range is about 8 – 10 and 4 sets of each. I’ve noticed recently my left knee feels likes it going to give out during squats. So I’ve been reducing the weight and reps etc if it feels dodgy

I’m a bit surprised though as I’ve never had any issue with my knees in the past and I’m pretty sure I’m using correct form and the weight wouldn’t be excessive.

Anyway just wondering if anyone can recommend other exercise that wouldn’t strain the knee so much? What would be the next best exercise etc? Any tips in general to avoid this?

Cheers
 
are you dropping your body down "between" your legs? go to the technique article sticky and take a look at the Dan John video, he explains how to do it. If your knees hurt with your body "between" your legs and weight on the heels then you've probably got some issues that need to be corrected.
 
double check your form. i'm constantly amazed by what poor form people have for squats

it's probably nothing, but since it could be something it would be wise to address it immediately
 
I agree with Karky, it's probably being caused by the squat not being deep enough. A good remedy is to do asian squats (or third world squats as T-Nation calls them)

TESTOSTERONE NATION - The Third-World Squat

The reason you usually see people in the gym doing half squats isn't always because they're using too much weight, it's often just an issue of flexibility. The simple truth is that most people in the western world can't do a simple ATG body weight squat without going up on their toes

Practise doing these daily until you're flexible enough to go ATG in the gym
 
yeah, and most people use too narrow a stance for squatting comfortably, if you use a very narrow stance you won't be able to get your body down between your legs (think of sitting your ass down between your lower legs AND upper legs, I know you physically can't do it, but think about it and see the Dan John vid I talked about, it shows what I mean.
 
I'm not a fan of leg press. its not the most natural movement, and in addition I injured my left knee once during a set of leg presses. took a while to heal and get better, and squats never bothered that knee. not once.

i've seen plenty of other more knowledgable trainers shoo people away from leg press too. there are enough squat, deadlift, and lunge variations that you can avoid leg press.

leg extensions are another one that can jack up the knees. I only do these very lightly, as a warmup, if at all.
 
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