[quote]ataktheday wrote:
Just to share a personal experience, I recently attempted to learn front squats. I got used to the grip issue, which was tough, but I got over it. However, I found that I was getting a severe ache in one of my knees for a full week after doing front squats. I went back to back squats and it went away. I think the problem is that I was going slightly knock-kneed to maintain my balance with front squats. I’m going to allow my knee to fully heal and then try front squats again, being very careful with my leg alignment. But if I get this pain again, I’m done with front squats forever - because it was pretty bad. I’ll try the suggestions about back squats with a narrow stance and heels on plates.[/quote]
Though I’ve never tried it, I’ve heard that the plates under your heals puts more stress on the knee, and should only be used if there is a lack of flexability in the calf.
I don’t know how true it is, but I wouldn’t be done with front squats forever based on how your knees feel after doing front squats this way.
Maybe try front squats without the weights under your heals again first, or use less weight until your knees get used to the new excersize.