Thread: Getting into the squats - other folks opinions

Originally Posted by NFOMan

But , holy shit, My legs hurt, my knees hurt, my butt hurts.

they hurt or they're sore? big difference. your quads and butt being sore is not uncommon after squats. your in the right direction starting low to nail your form and after a hard leg workout my legs and butt get sore the next day too. but if its pain in your knees or hips you need to back off a bit.

You shouldn't have pain in your knees at all. Make sure you are not leaning too far forward and that you are pushing through with your heels, not the balls of your feet.

Thanks for your advice. I guess that "hurt" is the wrong word. "Pain" is the right one, and I sure know that feeling. The pain in the knees is really quite minor, so I guess that the increased load on the quads and hams causes the normal muscle strain, and the pain. So, I guess this is normal.

Again, thanks.

Knee pain is not normal. It's bad.

I understand, and will correct my form to totally eliminate any knee discomfort. Thanks, again.

Originally Posted by NFOMan

Thanks for your advice. I guess that "hurt" is the wrong word. "Pain" is the right one, and I sure know that feeling. The pain in the knees is really quite minor, so I guess that the increased load on the quads and hams causes the normal muscle strain, and the pain. So, I guess this is normal.

Again, thanks.

im not sure pain is the right word ethier, i think the word you are looking for is soreness. and its normally to really feel it in your legs when doing squats, leg work really takes it out of you, guys sometimes keep a bucket next to the squat rack ready to trow up in.

Originally Posted by NFOMan

Yo, guys, I've started to introduce the squats into my routine, but --man! This is more complicated than I thought. I started (120 lbs, I know this is kid stuff), but just to learn the correct form. But , holy shit, My legs hurt, my knees hurt, my butt hurts.

Are others going through the same thing? Would appreciate some advice.

feet shoulder width apart slightly out....hands just wider than shoulder width. Push your chest out...notice I said push...that is important...imagine you are tryin to poke your chest out as far as you can. squat down with chest being forced out keeping back straight. Unless you are powerlifting it is unnecessary to go ass to calve...so down as far as you can is good enough...just make sure you are near parallel...it is not necessary if you are just trying to build. Always make sure your form is correct...this and deadlifts are the 2 most common mistaken workouts. Remember...chest forced out...and breathe in going down and out going up....explode up from the down position. You will be sore to begin with... give yourself adequate rest.

Originally Posted by NFOMan

Thanks for your advice. I guess that "hurt" is the wrong word. "Pain" is the right one, and I sure know that feeling. The pain in the knees is really quite minor, so I guess that the increased load on the quads and hams causes the normal muscle strain, and the pain. So, I guess this is normal.

Again, thanks.

Good pain is burn type sore pain...if its achey pain...somethings wrong...thats how I determine...burn is good...if you dont feel good pain after working out your not working hard enough. Take things slow.

Squats can wreak havoc on knee joints...maybe try some glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supp for couple weeks, but avoid to heavy until you figure it out. Look up at the ceiling when squatting, this will keep you weight back on your heels and allow for proper technique. I also read and have been told by some heavy squatters that it is ok to let your knees sort of bowleg in on the push up if they feel like they want to naturally go in that motion. Not a fact but did hear and read it. I have tried it and it seems to be comfortable motion.

You guys are awesome! you've given me the balls to keep it up (with good form).
Thanks

Originally Posted by NFOMan

You guys are awesome! you've given me the balls to keep it up (with good form).
Thanks

strengthen your core which will help your legs...when you have strong legs you will grow more in your upper body...so remember...everything compliments everything

NFOMan are you doing deadlifts too? I found they helped me A LOT in strengthening my core to such an extent that I dont use a belt now unless I'm squatting a new weight - either way - throwing squats in is such a good idea! good luck mate!

Originally Posted by JonnyStead

NFOMan are you doing deadlifts too? I found they helped me A LOT in strengthening my core to such an extent that I dont use a belt now unless I'm squatting a new weight - either way - throwing squats in is such a good idea! good luck mate!

Well, yep -- you're reading my mind. I've started with deadlifts (the new way of lifting?) again, starting light to get the form right. On this one, though, there's no knee effect, but the hams and glutes! Man! I can tell I'm in for some punishment.

Then you are doing it right my man...keep up the effort and progress as your BODY tells you to, not your brain!! Sometimes I get egotistical in my own brain and think I should be doing heavier weight cause I think I need to be "THE MAN' but my body isn't ready to jump yet. Let your body dictate that, but keep your mind focused on what your body tells you and mentally tell yourself and do the weight it tells you with the attitude that it will be easier than previous day. This will help your workout intensity because your mind is so focused and ready to pound out that particular weight, that your body responds with intensity. Hope this comes out right in text!! Clay is soo correct, all your strength comes form your core, strong core is the root of everything else growing and gaining.

Yep sounds like you have the right approach - as this is all new it might be worth running a journal?

I sorta don't want to do the journal (probably because I'm not for sharing my weaknesses with the public. ) But, if others can learn from my journey, then it's worth it, I guess.
Good catch, man! Let's see if I can muster up the courage (and even a picture -- this is going to take some serious thought.) Does anyone care?about my personal progress?

Go for it - I'd read it! good luck

Originally Posted by JonnyStead

Go for it - I'd read it! good luck

Crap! I'm really feeling the muscle kick-in from my legs. Yep, I'b being a good boy and keeping up the form. But, I'm so anxious to get to the tough stuff that its hard to stay throttled.

You guys are guiding me right, i"m sure, and I'm determined to stay the course , and maybe even do a journal (does anyone care?)

Originally Posted by biggfly

Squats can wreak havoc on knee joints...maybe try some glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate supp for couple weeks, but avoid to heavy until you figure it out.

Squats are actually very safe for your knees. Your body is built to squat.

Look up at the ceiling when squatting, this will keep you weight back on your heels and allow for proper technique.

Proper technique and cervical spine extension are actually mutually exclusive. Keep your head in a neutral position.

I also read and have been told by some heavy squatters that it is ok to let your knees sort of bowleg in on the push up if they feel like they want to naturally go in that motion. Not a fact but did hear and read it. I have tried it and it seems to be comfortable motion.

It's not proper technique. It's a result of terrible abduction strength.

FIrst I may have been unclear or specific in my wording...I did nOT mean to crank your head back and look up at the ceiling, I meant your eyes looking upward. I have seen and actually done where if I, or a guy, looks down at his feet when squatting it tends to throw off their balance and tip them forward. I just meant eyes...sorry for the clouded explanation. As for the knees bowing inward, I was unsure if it was proper, thats why I stated it as "I have heard, but not factual. I have seen and read where it is done, and endorsed if needed, but by no means am I saying it is the "proper" or correct way.

Originally Posted by Witchblade

Squats are actually very safe for your knees. Your body is built to squat.


Proper technique and cervical spine extension are actually mutually exclusive. Keep your head in a neutral position.


It's not proper technique. It's a result of terrible abduction strength.

The first part of your answer is partly correct. Yes the body is built to squat...it was built to squat with your bodyweight...and yes weightlifting does play a toll on your knees. Trust me I used to compete in powerliftin and I am an expert at leg work. Other than that good info...Im not downin ya or anything just making sure people stay aware of their knees in the squat...and it is more so better to keep the head neutral and look up with the eyes. It does not hurt to tilt the head up at a 45degree angle just as your feet should be pointed out slightly. Now a good tip for squats is to allow the weight to go lower on your traps and support more with your hands. Doing this is a technique that professional powerlifters use and it keeps better alignment of the spine and forces you to do proper technique.

Yes the body is built to squat...it was built to squat with your bodyweight...and yes weightlifting does play a toll on your knees. Trust me I used to compete in powerliftin and I am an expert at leg work. Other than that good info...Im not downin ya or anything just making sure people stay aware of their knees in the squat...and it is more so better to keep the head neutral and look up with the eyes. It does not hurt to tilt the head up at a 45degree angle just as your feet should be pointed out slightly. Now a good tip for squats is to allow the weight to go lower on your traps and support more with your hands. Doing this is a technique that professional powerlifters use and it keeps better alignment of the spine and forces you to do proper technique.[/QUOTE]

Man, never thought of that! But I don't get the relation to the upper body. How the f* can squats affect my chest routine? I just don't get it.

But thanks for your advice

Originally Posted by clayu86

Yes the body is built to squat...it was built to squat with your bodyweight...and yes weightlifting does play a toll on your knees. Trust me I used to compete in powerliftin and I am an expert at leg work. Other than that good info...Im not downin ya or anything just making sure people stay aware of their knees in the squat...and it is more so better to keep the head neutral and look up with the eyes. It does not hurt to tilt the head up at a 45degree angle just as your feet should be pointed out slightly. Now a good tip for squats is to allow the weight to go lower on your traps and support more with your hands. Doing this is a technique that professional powerlifters use and it keeps better alignment of the spine and forces you to do proper technique.

Originally Posted by NFOMan

Man, never thought of that! But I don't get the relation to the upper body. How the f* can squats affect my chest routine? I just don't get it.

But thanks for your advice

During squats your body secretes enormously higher levels of hormones. Trust me you will see a difference over time on how you advance. Plus you will have the added stability and another you dont want to look like a mushroom. So, for the all around benefits of squats, itd be a good idea to keepem in your routine. I recommend those and leg presses in the same workout. Legpresses almost seem to compliment squats and the same for squats doing to legpresses. My squat progressed much better when I started legpresses. Im squattin less than I did when I powerlifted but Im doin about 600lbs now and legpressing about 2050lbs and the combination of both of those helped out significantly but the progression would have never happened had I not kept my lower back and stomach strong. good luck

Ill tell ya a site I highly suggest.... Ed Byrd's - "The Science of Transformations"