Squat substitutes??

J

jzthedetermined

New member
I have a bad left knee. I know squats are a tremendous exercise for many muscle groups, but even with a wrap, I am nervous about my knee failing. Can anyone suggest alternate excercises to squats that at least come close to the same benifits?
 
I don't like throwing advice at people with "bad anythings" in this setting. I mean, what constitutes a bad knee? And how are we to know what a bad knee can and can't handle?

Know what I'm saying?
 
jzthedetermined said:
GOING TWICE...
Anything? Opinions?
Click to expand...

Its such a full body exorcise it may be tough to sub with 1 movement. You may need several exorcises to truly replace it. Can you do hack squats? I think that may be a little easier on the knees if you keep the weight relatively low.
 
Steve said:
I don't like throwing advice at people with "bad anythings" in this setting. I mean, what constitutes a bad knee? And how are we to know what a bad knee can and can't handle?

Know what I'm saying?
Click to expand...

Steve, I hear what you are saying about giving your expert opinion without all the details. I respect that greatly. I read it here, follow your advice, end up hurt...I get what you are saying...

1)Torn ACL, extreme patella dislocation...all fixed with a pin and two staples. I recovered well(8 years ago), it is strong, but "pops out" occasionally(once a year) when having to deal with strange angles or twists such as doing cross overs while skating backwards...pretty much if there is to much lateral pressure if you will. I know I have a hard time doing squats, but deadlifts are fine, hack squats ok too , As EDCO said, as long as the weight is light enough.

2)I have a good grasp on what my knee can take, and listen to it when it tells me to stop...I guess I was just looking for excercises that would make up for not being able to do "regular" squats.

If you still can't recommend something I understand. I'll try to find out information online.

Thanks.
 
I think you are going to have to take the "12 bowls of Total" approach with squats being the Total. You may have to eat 12 bowls of other exercise to equal 1 bowl of Squat. (that sounded bad) you get my drift though. Why do you want a sub for squats? If it is just for a lower body exercise then there are options. If you want the full body benefits of doing squats without actually doing any though then you may have to use a few different ones.
 
edco76 said:
I think you are going to have to take the "12 bowls of Total" approach with squats being the Total. You may have to eat 12 bowls of other exercise to equal 1 bowl of Squat. (that sounded bad) you get my drift though. Why do you want a sub for squats? If it is just for a lower body exercise then there are options. If you want the full body benefits of doing squats without actually doing any though then you may have to use a few different ones.
Click to expand...

I just remember making huge gains from age 17-19 with just the basic lifts. Squats made everything seem to grow, and I just would like to get the same affects from different excercises. Maybe low weight squats are the answer...hopefully building back up to the strength I used to have...I just remember picking up half of a ford fiesta when I was younger and dream of doing it again!!
 
If you can deadlift, that's all you really need. You can throw in some assistance stuff like leg presses, hack squats etc. Just be safe.
 
Steve said:
If you can deadlift, that's all you really need. You can throw in some assistance stuff like leg presses, hack squats etc. Just be safe.
Click to expand...

Pretty much good to go as long as it's longitudinal if you know what I mean. When I squat heavy, my knees, both actually, not just the "bad" one, tend to want to flex outward, hence the pressure I equate with hitting the floor. Deadlifts are no problem, it seems to be in a straight line. Thanks for your input STEVE and EDCO!
 
jzthedetermined said:
Pretty much good to go as long as it's longitudinal if you know what I mean. When I squat heavy, my knees, both actually, not just the "bad" one, tend to want to flex outward, hence the pressure I equate with hitting the floor. Deadlifts are no problem, it seems to be in a straight line. Thanks for your input STEVE and EDCO!
Click to expand...

Well there ya go. IMO Deadlifts>squats anyway. Especially if you wanna pick up a Fiestas.
 
Yea, deads ftw.

I will note though that at the bottom of the squat you're supposed to be driving your knees out.
 
Here are some videos on how to rehab a knee injury for squatting:





I do some of this as my warm up before I squat, sort of a "pre-hab"

Good luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top