Bodybuilding.net - Bodybuilding Forum

Ive got a problem with weak knees. I use leg presses because I notice that the squats put too much pressure on my knees and I fear they may get injured. I think this is because the extra weight Im carrying, I need to lose about 60 lbs. Is there anything I can do to increase my knee strength and enable myself to do squats?

Go very light on the squats. Find a weight and work your way up to a set of 20. Ease into adding more weight.

Or use the leg press for a while and go light.

Just doing squats period without any weight or bar causes knee discomfort. Ive been slowly adding to my leg presses. I can put about 200 lbs on the press (2 sets of 12) and my knees are ok and I can get a good work on my legs, but I know I eventually need to switch off with the routine so my body is always challenged, and Ive been hesitant to approach the squat rack.

Another exercise I do which causes a bit of knee discomfort is the hamstring machine, (where you sit and raise the bar that is over your ankles to work your thighs) although I can successfully do it. Ive been going at about 60 lbs on that.

With the hamstring machine make sure you aren't over extending and locking out. That could cause some pain and possible damage.

Take is slow. Don't worry about those squats until your body is ready. Chances are your body will be ready before your mind is.

Thanks. Ive been generally working on easing my way up. My body is responding well in general to the weights. I think I have a certain natural muscularity and strength. I just need to get this flab off my butt.


When Im on the press or hamstring machine Im always policing myself so I dont lock out, after hearing that knee injuries are more likely when you lock the knee.

Also make sure your kneecaps aren't on the padding.

Just do lunges one leg at a time. Once your knees are respomding well to your own bodyweight, then start holding dumbbells. I wouldn't do any squats whatsoever until you are ready and have graduated from lunges. Doing squats isn't good advice if your knees are hurting.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


I can be found at
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.