"I can't squat; I have bad knees."

Yeah, right. This is more lame crap from those who can't squat or don't want to. All knee rehab now centers around squats or something that looks like a squat. Anyone who tells you they can't squat because they have bad knees is more than likely full of crap.

What they're really saying is, "I was never a good squatter. I always did them wrong and, as a result, my knees hurt." I even get doctors who say things like, " No more squats, just lunges." Sorry, how is a lunge different than a squat? Knee range of motion is knee range of motion.

Is there really any evidence that squats ever were bad for your knees? Nope, none that I've ever seen. There's actually more evidence for increased patella-femoral compression from leg extensions than there is for dangers of squatting.

If this "squats are bad" stuff isn't true, where did all this start? The "squats are bad for your knees" crap started with a 1969 book called The Knee in Sports by Karl Klein and Fred Allman. Many squat critics say this book contains strong evidence for squats damaging the knee joint. You know why they think this? Because they never read the book! Well, I have an original copy of it right here beside me and here's what it says:

"If squat type exercises are to be used, the weight should be kept in front. Even though it may not be possible to use as much weight, the exercise is safer and puts much less strain on the back."

What wisdom! Where have I heard that before? The authors continue:

"The depth in the squat should be controlled, with the thighs just breaking the parallel position."

The accompanying photo in the text shows a nice powerlifting depth squat. They conclude:

"Much beyond this point, the reaction between the hamstrings and calf muscle begins to act as a pry to force the joint apart... stretching the ligaments."

In other words, Dr. Klein and Mr. Allman recommended full squats, but didn't advocate breaking parallel. What Klein and Allman cautioned against were what they described as "deep squats." Deep squats were squats below parallel as might be seen in the catch portion of the clean and jerk or snatch in Olympic lifting.

simon m wrote:I don't squat as I don't like them and I have awful knees, I was in a cast from ankle to top of thigh for a few months a couple of years back following a severe injury and had to get everywhere on two crutches - I still trained though!

What I would say with squats is like bench and deadlifts, they have become macho exercises and to anyone who doesn't like them, there's nothing wrong in not doing them.

Fitness and training is foremost about enjoying yourself. Do what you enjoy and stuff the rest.

upright wrote:

simon m wrote:I don't squat as I don't like them and I have awful knees, I was in a cast from ankle to top of thigh for a few months a couple of years back following a severe injury and had to get everywhere on two crutches - I still trained though!

What I would say with squats is like bench and deadlifts, they have become macho exercises and to anyone who doesn't like them, there's nothing wrong in not doing them.

Fitness and training is foremost about enjoying yourself. Do what you enjoy and stuff the rest.

So the bench monkeys and bicep boys are probably the ones getting the most from it then....

Jake The Muss wrote:I agree with Simon,training should be fun first and foremost. Whilst I agree that squats and deadlifts are great exercises,they certainly are'nt the be all and end all.I now squat only light weight and and use leg press,extensions and curls for my legs more and more. Also I have totally stopped deadlifting.

Jake The Muss wrote:Nope,really dont think that squats and deads are essential for someone like myself, I have been traning for a long time and a lot of my lifting at work is pretty similar to heavy squatting and deadlifting.