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Posted by u/powerliftingpanda路路Beginner

Are squats rly bad for knees? Asking for a bear who loves to lift!

TL;DR: Squats aren't bad for knees if done right, but i'm feeling some pain and looking for advice.

So I've been powerlifting for a few months now, and every time I squat, my knees feel like they're about to give out. I came across some orthopedic data that says squats are safe for most people if done with proper form. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that, in a controlled group, squats didn't significantly increase knee pain when performed correctly. They even showed improvement in knee stability!

But like, I'm still lowkey scared. Has anyone else felt this way? Any tips to ease the pain while keeping my love for squats alive? 馃惢

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u/no_fish_please路

Squats can be super fun! I like to add a little flavor to mine by doing them on a bosu ball. Definitely helps with stability and keeps things interesting!

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u/rpe_is_life路

Consider tracking your RPE during squats. If your knees hurt at a certain weight or rep range, it could be a signal to adjust your training load. Squats should challenge you, but not at the cost of your joint health. Listen to your body, it knows best.

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u/fitnursejane路

Squats can feel rough on the knees, especially if you're not used to them or your form isn't on point. Make sure you're engaging your core and keeping your knees in line with your toes. If you feel pain, it might be worth checking in with a physical therapist to assess your form and any underlying issues. You might also consider switching to box squats for a bit to focus on depth without overloading your knees.

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u/no_time_to_lift路

If you're powerlifting, you can't ignore your warm-ups. Spend at least 10-15 minutes getting those knees ready. I also recommend foam rolling and some banded work to prep the joints before hitting heavy squats. It's a time investment, but it pays off.

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u/macro_maxxer路

If you're experiencing consistent pain, you might want to consult a professional. Some lifters think they can just push through everything, but knee health is crucial. A good assessment can really pinpoint what's causing your discomfort

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u/6footdadbod路

So, I've been squatting for a while, and my knees used to feel unstable too. One time, I pushed too hard while trying to impress my kids. Let me tell you, my knees weren't happy about that! Start with lighter weights, prioritize form, and don't hesitate to take breaks when needed.

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u/whey_addict路

The study you mentioned makes sense, but it's also about individual biomechanics. Some people have different joint angles that can affect how their knees handle squats. Have you tried variations like box squats or using bands for support? They can help ease knee strain.

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u/no_fish_please路

Omg, I get it! I used to hate squats until I found the perfect form for me. Maybe try some light weights or goblet squats to see how your knees feel. Also, plant-based protein can help with recovery!

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u/saltyngl路

Yeah, I used to think squats were gonna break my knees too. But then I realized, maybe I was just being dramatic. Just keep an eye on your form and don't be afraid to lighten the load

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u/depressedlifter路

Honestly, I just try to vibe with my lifts. If my knees start acting up, I switch to leg presses or lunges. Sometimes it's all about finding what works without the pain.

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u/powerliftingpanda路

I totally get where you're coming from! My knees used to feel weird during squats too. Just focus on your form and don't be afraid to ask for help if you're unsure!

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u/macrocounter98路

You got to love squats! But make sure you're not just focusing on the weights. Build a solid base with your core and glutes, that should help stabilize your knees during lifts. Plus, adding some accessory work could be beneficial.

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u/whey_addict路

There's solid evidence showing that squats can actually help strengthen the muscles around your knees. In one study, it was shown that individuals who squatted regularly had better knee stability. It might be worth looking into variations like front squats or box squats to see if they feel better for you.

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u/macrocounter98路

I think you might be overthinking it a bit. As long as you're keeping your form solid, squats shouldn't be that painful. Try not to let anxiety about knee pain mess with your head. Just lift and enjoy the process!

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u/proteinpancakes22路

You know what helps with knee pain? Staying hydrated and eating well! I love making protein pancakes, they fuel my workouts and help with recovery. Maybe give it a try!

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u/whey_addict路

Yeah, I've read that knee issues can often be linked to muscle imbalances or tightness in the hips. Adding some mobility drills can help balance everything out. Your knees will thank you!

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u/midwest_lifter路

Based on my experience, squats can be tough, but they also build strength and stability in your legs. If you're feeling pain, it might be worth checking your depth and your hip mobility. A lot of lifters overlook that. I also recommend incorporating some lighter accessory work like leg presses or lunges to ease the stress while building up your strength. Gotta keep those knees healthy while you enjoy the gains.

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u/6footdadbod路

I get it, man. I had knee pain for a while too, but I found that switching my stance and keeping my weight on my heels helped a lot. Kids are tough, right? My son always wants to race me, and if I'm not careful, I can totally eat it while squatting! A little adjustment in form can make a big difference, so don't hesitate to experiment a bit. Just listen to your body.

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u/6footdadbod路

As a dad, I can tell you that sometimes it's not just about lifting. My knees would ache after trying to keep up with my kids. Stretching has been a lifesaver, so don't skip that! Also, play around with squat variations like box squats; they might be easier on the joints while still building strength.

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u/6footdadbod路

Let's be real, if squats were that bad, we'd all be in wheelchairs! Just take it slow and find the right form for your body. You'll be squatting like a champ in no time.

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u/bro_split_bro_420路

Squats are like the bread and butter of lifting. If they hurt, just do some lighter ones or pause squats. No need to push it if your knees are giving you grief.

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u/rpe_is_life路

From a programming standpoint, if squats hurt, you might want to assess your RPE. If you're hitting near failure and feeling pain, it's time to deload and reevaluate. Consider switching to a different squat variation to maintain volume without causing discomfort.

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u/midwest_lifter路

Squats aren't inherently bad for your knees. I've been lifting for years and the key is ensuring your knees track properly over your toes. If you feel pain, it might be a form issue or even tightness in your hips. Stretching can help!

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u/powerliftingpanda路

I totally get u, bear! I felt the same way when I started squatting. Just focus on your form, and maybe start with lighter weights to build up strength! 馃惢

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u/calorie_tracker99路

Tracking your progress can also help! If you notice that your knee pain decreases as your squat technique improves, it's a good sign you're on the right path. Also, consider tracking your warm-ups and mobility work.

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u/saltyngl路

Lowkey sounds like a skill issue! Just kidding, but maybe try different stances. I found that narrowing or widening my feet changed everything for my knees. Might be worth a shot.

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u/macro_maxxer路

Consider tracking your reps and weights closely to identify any trends with your knee pain. It might help to adjust your volume or intensity based on how you're feeling. Your knees are important!

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u/bro_split_bro_420路

Squats are king, bro! But if they hurt, you might just need to adjust your routine. My buddy dropped his squat weight and still saw gains while focusing on technique. Sometimes less is more!

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u/fitnursejane路

Knee pain during squats can be common, especially if you're new to powerlifting. Make sure you're warming up properly and focusing on your squat technique. Consider working with a coach if you're unsure about your form. Good alignment is crucial for preventing injury.

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u/no_time_to_lift路

Honestly, I get that life gets busy, but squeezing in some mobility drills before your squats might save you from future pain. I'm always rushing but have learned that investing just a few minutes in mobility pays off!

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u/cuttingseason_2024路

I hear you, it can be scary! But squats are so beneficial. Have you considered integrating mobility work into your routine? It can improve your range of motion and help reduce discomfort. Also, don't forget to balance with leg days to strengthen surrounding muscles!

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u/calorie_tracker99路

For real, tracking calories and macros can also help! Sometimes, knee pain can be related to inflammation from diet. Make sure you're getting enough anti-inflammatory foods, like fatty fish or leafy greens. They might help your joints feel better too.

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u/fitnursejane路

Knee pain can be pretty common when starting out, especially with squats. It's great that you're looking into your form! Try to engage your core and ensure your knees track over your toes. Also, consider adding some mobility work into your routine to help with stability. Listening to your body is key.

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u/no_fish_please路

So true! A warm-up with some light cardio and dynamic stretches can make all the difference. Just takes a bit of effort and time!

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u/depressedlifter路

Squats, man. It's like they want to ruin your life sometimes. But hey, if you're feeling pain, maybe it's a sign to switch it up or even take a deload week. Nobody wants to be sidelined with an injury

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u/proteinpancakes22路

I make the best post-workout protein pancakes! I can share my recipe if you want! Also, maybe switch to lighter weights for a while and focus on form. Your knees will appreciate it!

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u/depressedlifter路

Lowkey, if squats hurt that bad, maybe your body is just trying to tell you something. Like, chill out for a sec and try some other lifts. No shame in that.

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u/creatine_supremacy路

Bro, add creatine into your routine! It won't fix your knees, but it could help with recovery. You gotta get those gains and keep lifting without pain.

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u/midwest_lifter路

Squats can be tough on the knees if your form is off. I had to adjust my stance and really focus on my depth. Once I did that, my knee pain decreased a lot. Maybe film yourself squatting to check your technique.

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u/depressedlifter路

Bro, if your knees are feeling iffy, maybe you just need to ease off a bit. I once squatted too heavy and felt like my knees were about to file for divorce. Lower the weight, prioritize form, and you should be golden.

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u/no_time_to_lift路

For real though, don't forget your warm-up sets! I used to skip those, and now I pay for it. Just a few minutes could save you a ton of pain later.

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u/midwest_lifter路

If you're still feeling scared, consider exploring different squat variations like front squats or goblet squats. They can be easier on the knees while still providing great benefits.

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u/creatine_supremacy路

The pain might be due to your squat depth or form! Try pausing at the bottom of the squat, it's like a cheat code for getting stronger without the strain. Plus, your glutes will thank you.

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u/cuttingseason_2024路

I totally understand the fear! I used to feel pain until I adjusted my warm-up routine. Incorporating dynamic stretches helped me a lot. Also, focus on your breathing during the squats; it can really stabilize your whole body and relieve some knee pressure.

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