Ever since I started squatting I’ve had problems, and that’s been 3 or 4 years ago. I’ve done 455 for 6 reps down to a plastic chair, (best), which is a bit over 90 degrees, however when I get down real low I have to drop down to 225 or so, even though it feels light. Even at a light weight I can’t touch my ass to my calves because my knees feel like they are going to collapse at a certain point. I also find the lower I go the more I lean forward - to avoid pain in my knees.
I’ve considered quitting squatting altogether and just doing things like barbell hacks, leg press, and body squats - the only way i can touch ass to calves without it bothering my knee.
Is this a good idea? or should I start over with no weight and slowly work my way up?
p.s. I believe my knee problems are dur to playing basketball, although i don’t know what the exact problem is and my doctor’s big advice was to take some tylenol for the pain, he also believes I shouldn’t lift “heavy.”
i had pr’d a squat and reinjured my knee (from a basketball injury, severe knee contusion this summer), so i stopped, then months later returned, and i couldnt do 135 (the pr was at 320 or so), so i stopped doing squats… but! for some reason box squatting really helps, i feel barely no pain when box squatting. also i dont go ass to ground/calfs, i just set it slightly below parallel or slightly above depending…
so im currently working myself back up box squatting, i mean if i go and do a regular below parallel squat right now with 135 it will be hurting like a bitch for a week (or maybe even rip apart :(, but for some reason i hit 205 today for 3 reps box squat, and no pain.
try out box squats, i never do regular squats now, but DONT DO ANYTHING THAT MAKES YOU FEEL THAT YOUR KNEE IS GOING TO POP!
also i realized that turning my feet more straight (instead of outward) really helps reduce the pain, got an idea why? ehhe
also do good mornings/deadlifts feel fine? for me they do, i can do those fine without any pain, its only squatting past parallel.
Box squatting may very well be your savior. elitefts has a plan for making 4 1/2" high boxes with 2x4s and 3/4" plywood. Mine are GREAT! I even have my “girls” do lockout DLs off them (255+ lb) no breakage. Make damn sure you use them for what they are for, ie: sitting BACK with shins vertical or beyond (leaning toward a point behind you). Don’t just squat down to them but sit BACK!
okay. i played football in HS, and i naturally squated a lot. the thing is, a lot of times i would go really low, and this i think messed up my knees. then add to that the football and my knees r terrible now. i still do regular squats, but i only go as far as parallel. dont do more then that, you will tear something for sure. and yes, box squats do work well if you have this problem.
I dont think below parallel squats are necessarily detrimental to the knees. Look at OLY lifters who sqaut 2 the floor. Theres alot of factor involved with form used, load, etc.
I agree with the guys above - if you have to use any force to get below parallel then dont do it. I have been trying to push my ass right to my calves and my knees started killing me too. Just do what you feel is most comfortable and add in some other exercises + your doctors a fool.
You want to know why its better when you do box squats??? because you are forcing yourself to put the weight on your heels. When you are going really deep you are probably bringing your knees way over your ankles (not saying you can never go over your ankles but going way far over puts too much strain on the knees) Just a guess with all this but i would try really concentrating on putting the weight on your heels. A box squat shouldnt feel any different if you do it without a box. Go see a doctor/therapist for sure though. just my 2 cents
After my knees deteriorationg to the point of stopping squats for over a year… I developed pain-free knees again through two products… 1.Coral Calcium (strong front loading and maintaining 2000mg.s day (Natures Benefit brand). and 2. flax seed and hemp oil 2-3 times daily in my shakes.
These had AMAZING results for me. Isquat again once weekly… NO problem.
Squatting below parallel is not bad for the knees, it is good for them. I’ve always gone all the way down, and the knee is about the only place where I have never had a problem.
Sounds like you’ve got a bit of an imbalance, quads way too strong compared to the hamstrings. This is from squatting too high, too heavy, for too long. Start doing some good mornings to build the posterior chain, and some box squats to get your squatting form down.
Shoes are also a factor. If you’re wearing the typical “cross trainers”, they will make you lean forward as you attempt the below parallel squat.
Which is why flat soled shoes are the best; and why many powerlifters wear Converse.
As has also been said, going below parallel ain’t bad on the knees. It’s technique. Another thing, normally you would have to lower load considerably if “relearning” squat to perform below parallel or A2Floor. It takes more hip/glute/hamstring strength to perform- something to think about.
