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Help me with squats

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Mar 22, 2002
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My tip is don't do squats if you value your knees at all.

And why exactly is this? And are you talking about the tibiofemoral or patellofemoral joints? Research has shown that progressive loading of tissues actually reduces risk of osteoarthritis. You're ridiculous for posting out of your ass. This is not true whatsoever. Go see the powerlifters who have been lifting for 30 years. They're typically still lifting 600+lbs and doing just fine.
 
Sep 29, 2004
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Agree on knees.

My experience is that lifting and running has created stronger stabilizers muscles around my knee. I feel as though, I am more physically able to do things now (relating to me knees) than before.

FWIW: 1RM squat is somewhere near 300 with no belt. Best deadlift is 320, no belt. I can not say enough about the importance of good form.
 

VulgarDisplay

Diamond Member
Apr 3, 2009
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I found that I would actually try and keep the bar too low to compensate for the fact that my chest was dipping at the bottom of my squats. This was a product of horrible ankle flexibility which pulled my whole body if every direction once I reached the limit of my ankles flexibility.

After I figured out I was wrong I blew up my left knee being stupid while drunk, so I never got to working on my flexibility more to fix my form.

Long story short I would wager that 99% of squat form issues are due to lack of flexibility whether it be shoulders, hips, ankles, etc. That applies until you start getting into 1RM territory and the limits of what you can lift with proper form.
 
Mar 22, 2002
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Update in OP. First pain free squat day in a weeks! Thanks all!

Wonderful news. Glad you found some modifications helped. I'm also glad you were smart and willing enough to reduce the weight a bit. I think that was the right move. Hope things keep working out. It wouldn't hurt if you rewarded us with a squat video when you hit 325 again. I'd be interested to see it 'cause, let's face it, 325 is pretty burly :)
 

Patt8it

Junior Member
Aug 30, 2012
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I would reccomend trying 350 with catch bars higher. Try 2 attempts at 350 squatting above parrelel touching the bars. Then lower the weight and bars so your squatting at least 90 degrees.. I find the cheat reps w 350 help 325 feel lighter. Hope that helps! ... My squat routine . Pyramid.. 12-14 sets.. 2-4 reps ... Strictly squats on that day...
 
Mar 22, 2002
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Next time you squat, have your wife take the video from the side. If the crease of your hip goes below the level of your knee, you're fine. When looking at video from the back, it can be hard to assess.