knee trouble

[astral37]

had a lot of knee pain today when i tried to do some squats...was using a really light weight (just warming up for one set) and my knees hurt a bit. when i added some weight they hurt a lot worse and so i stopped.

if i can't do squats, what would be some good alternative exercises? thanks

 

[gr81]

check your form on the squat and be cautious doing them. squats actually strengthen the tendons in the knee and make them stronger, as long as they are done correctly. Of course I don't know what your knee history is but the squatting should help. Get someone to give an unbiased opinion of your form so you can make adjustments. Also maybe knee wraps can be used. To answer your question, there is no exercise that can replace the squat so weigh your options before you toss the squat aside.

 

[astral37]

thanks for the reply. i do have a history of knee pain but nothing too major. i also experience pain when doing other leg type exercises (leg press, etc) but its not as bad as on teh squats. pretty sure my form is good but i will of course double check that. sure hate to give up squats but i just dunno :-/

 

[P-funk]

quater squats (only going down a quarter of the way....aka partial squats) are a great way to strengthen the quads with out risking knee problems. I know a number of physical therapists that do this with their client that have knee troubles...never leg extensions. Leg press may be a little rough on the knee also becuase you are lied back and in a constent state of hip flexion through out the exercise which is going to keep your hip extensors (hamstrings and gluteus maximus) inactive, putting some pretty good shearing forces on the shank and the patella.