Squating Issues -

[JKurz1]

I have a problem........I LOVE to squat and no it's top 3 movement. However, right now, after so much beating myself up and cardio, my knee is giving me clicking and grinding fits....even if I bend down in the squat position without weight.....I can barely get 120lbs because of this and it's not because of leg strength....is there a safe alternative or a way around this? Our leg press machine is horrid, front squat? Box? Dbell?

 

[BiggT]

Does it hurt or just click? The squat in and of itself is safe when done correctly and assuming there is no pre-existing injury.....I doubt you're 'injured', but running is absolutely brutal on the body, so I don't want to just say suck it up and squat, as I know what running can do to the joints.

If squatting, make sure you go ATF, as this takes stress off of the knees, contrary to all the garbage myths out there about squatting.

For alternatives when injured, just do something compound that doesn't irritate and train it progressively.

 

[JKurz1]

Painful? Sort of but not untollerable....it's preventing me from going heavy though because its extremely weak and could give way at any moment....It is like not having the stability because of the weakness in the knee....following me? I don't know if itll come back with time or what.....just makes me very concerned that it's doing damage...

 

[BiggT]

Jeff, it may very well be from all the running you've done over the last few years......if so, since you stopped the long, joint-pounding, marathon cardio sessions, I tend to think the stability will come over time, just be patient with the weights and add a little each week.

Part of it could simply be mental, but I know enough runners and triathletes to know that you're probably not just being neurotic, as running is probably the most brutal thing you can subject the body too.

My guess is the stability and confidence will gradually come over time.

 

[petpre61]

is it just with the back squat?

 

[JKurz1]

No, its squating down to pick up something.......anything..........BigT...you didnt like my joke huh????

 

[BiggT]

No, its squating down to pick up something.......anything..........BigT...you didnt like my joke huh????

You mean in your journal, brother? It scared the hell out of me, lol.....

 

[silver_shadow]

Jeff, it may very well be from all the running you've done over the last few years......if so, since you stopped the long, joint-pounding, marathon cardio sessions, I tend to think the stability will come over time, just be patient with the weights and add a little each week.

Part of it could simply be mental, but I know enough runners and triathletes to know that you're probably not just being neurotic, as running is probably the most brutal thing you can subject the body too.

My guess is the stability and confidence will gradually come over time.

i'm pretty sure it is the cardio. a few months ago, i was on this BRUTAL plan of HIIT cardio ED along with pretty heavy lifts... just to shed some fat quick... a dumb idea but that's a different issue altogether.
so on lifting days (4 days/wk) i'd keep the cardio down to 10 mins while the remaining 3 days, i'd do close to 30 mins (along with high rep deads). i'd usually squat 3 out of 4 lifting days, one of those was heavy. 2 weeks was all it took for my knees to start grumbling... really needed a break from the gym after that... bear in mind i was going ATF while squatting so that would be less stressful on the knees as T said. also, my knees are generally strong. so jeff, you know what the answer is - stay away from the cardio.

 

[JKurz1]

You mean in your journal, brother? It scared the hell out of me, lol.....

WHy would it scare you??? It's bound to happen bro...I can't make gains every single day...not human....

 

[BiggT]

WHy would it scare you??? It's bound to happen bro...I can't make gains every single day...not human....

You're absolutely right, it is gonna happen sooner or later.....but.....I KNEW you had 275 in you, lol.

 

[atlantaholdem]

From your descriptions of the pain, it sounds like you may have something called Patellar-Femoral Pain Syndrome. I think some refer to it as jumpers knee. It occurs when the lining in the knee is whittled to just about nothing and you have some bone-on-bone action going on in there. Hurts like hell. I know because this is something I've struggled with for years. Squats fucking hurt like hell, especiall hack squats. I've tried the glucosomine chondroiten and it works a little. But honestly, you need to just do some extreme stretching before lifting. What has helped me the most are some compound stretches with the rubber band things you tie around your ankle and tie the other end to a fixed object. I've also used one of those lifecycle fitness machines with the foot holster and so some one legged kick backs. That helps a little, too. I would recommend to see a doc though.

 

[boss_]

I have a problem........I LOVE to squat and no it's top 3 movement. However, right now, after so much beating myself up and cardio, my knee is giving me clicking and grinding fits....even if I bend down in the squat position without weight.....I can barely get 120lbs because of this and it's not because of leg strength....is there a safe alternative or a way around this? Our leg press machine is horrid, front squat? Box? Dbell?

You may have an IT band problem...definitely see a PT (Physical Therapist / Sports Medicine Clinic) NOT a 'personal trainer'!

Box squats helped me immensely, so try that and see if there's any pain. (Sitting BACK is much better on the knees). And stop running. It was extremely hard for me to stop, but if you don't more trouble awaits.

 

[coolcolj]

sounds like you might have a combination of flexibilty and over use issues

click and grinding is a patella misalignment issue

link
http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492626


stretching the shit out of the ankles/calves, hips and external hip rotors did wonders for me

best way to stretch the ankle/calf is to hold the bottom position of a standing and seated calf raise - one leg at a time and relax it, keep it light