Intro

[dirtcake1]

Dirtcake here with my 1st post. Signed up a few weeks ago and have been checking out the site. I've been working out since I was a skinny 12 year old (My dad bought me a bullworker in 1974 and I was hooked.) I'm trying to add more mass and my knees suddenly won't handle the stress of heavy weights. They haven't blown but, they throb for days after a workout. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Arnold]

Welcome to our bodybuilding & fitness community

dirtcake1 welcome to IM!

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[Built]

Well hello there!

Can you describe your current leg workout?

 

[Irons77]

Welcome to IM dirtcake

 

[dirtcake1]

Knee Pain

Squats and lunges with not much weight due to pain. I rested for 1 week and took anti-inflammatories. I was getting better but, as soon as I resume working legs the pain returns. It's funny, I have no issues when snow skiing so I'm wondering if the pressure from the ski boots on the front of my lower leg keeps my knees from hurting. Miniscus tears?

 

[dirtcake1]

Knee Pain

Thanks for the welcome Irons77.

 

[lucifuge]

"dirtcake"
that's an awesome name
welcome to IM.
have you talked to a doctor about your knee pain?

 

[dirtcake1]

No, I work in a hospital and have learned to explore every option before seeking "medical advice." However, if my knees continue to deteriorate, I will.
Anyone know if glucosamine or any other products really work?

 

[lucifuge]

glucosamine could help...
shark cartilage is supposed to be good too.
I can't speak from experience though.
I hate to sound disingenuous, but are you sure you're using solid form when training?

 

[Built]

I am not at all clear on your situation. Are you new to training, or have you been training for a while and this is just now a problem?

What weight do you use? Is it free or Smith squats and lunges? Do you stop at 90 or go all the way down?

 

[Gazhole]

I had a similar thing with my elbows, Glucosamine Sulphate and EFA/Fish Oils seem to work wonders.

 

[dirtcake1]

As my intro stated, got hooked on training @ 12 in 1974, the math says 46 years old and the knee issue started about 6 months ago so I'm pretty sure my form is as good as it gets. The squats/lunges are with dumbells(2-35's are max weight since pain started) Walking lunges to 90 degrees, as, I have never let my knees extend past the toes. I have limited squat weight to 200 lbs. and just try to get more reps. 5'9"-175lbs. & 8% body fat.

Thanks gazhole, I'll try those products immediately. Thanks to all for help and warm welcome.

 

[Built]

The ninety degree thing - if that's how you free squat, you may be surprised to hear that going beyond ninety is actually safer to the knee. I'm a fossil too (I'll be 45 in a few weeks) and I squat below parallel. The knee can and should be trained through natural movement patterns, and this includes letting the knee go over the toe. Pay attention to where the knee is relative to the toe next time you go up and down stairs.

You may find it beneficial to back off the squat weight even more and do some higher-rep work in a full range of motion. You're not using machines for your leg work are you? You sound like you're only using free weights, which is great.

 

[dirtcake1]

Right, free weights only. I will try the deeper range of motion and see what happens. By the way, great physique. I am trying to get my lady off the treadmill and on the iron and your story/results are getting her attention.

 

[Built]

Thank you! Has she seen my blog? Everything I've done is on there.

 

[dirtcake1]

Not yet but, I just left it and I am impressed. I am going to try and get her into this slowly because she's afraid she will get too big lifting weights and I don't want to overwhelm her with info.

 

[Built]

Tell her she is wise to be careful about not getting too big. The things to avoid in this regard:

1. Avoid being male. This is crucial.
2. Also avoid overeating while being male and taking regular injections of testosterone. This is also crucial.

If she's careful to avoid the above warnings, she can rest assured that no matter how heavy she lifts, she will only at best achieve that elusive "toned physique", provided she makes sure to eat well - sufficient protein and healthy fat, lots of veggies, fruit and raw nuts for the fibre, calories that are in line with her goals (under maintenance to lose, over maintenance to gain), and doesn't try to rely on cardio for her fat loss.

Thank you very much for reading my blog.