I heard squatting is bad for your knees? Is this reason enough to stop squatting?
Dear BBQ,
You are correct, if done with improper form, squatting can wreck your knees. However to say that this should diswade you from squatting is a total myth. There is nothing you can do for your body that is better than some heavy sets of squats; assuming you don't have injuries that will be activated by said squats. This article here talks about some of the dangers of squatting and how to prevent them.
Keep in mind that although when we talk about squatting we usually are referring to the back squat, there are many other options available as are talked about in this article. I should mention that I do disagree with the form they recommend on the back squat though. It is popular to only squat to parallel, but that is only half a squat. If you are going to say that you squat you should be doing at least 3/4 squats (down past parallel), if not full squats (down till you are sitting on your ankles). Don't full squat too much weight though as it can put some nasty leverage on your knees.
In short, whether you want to build size, get toned, or just be a normal person who can do much more practically awesome stuff than your average Joe, you must squat. Another good article on squatting took a poll of bodybuilders across the nation and just over 50% dedicate an entire day to just doing squats. For me I'm doing a three day rotation and day to is entirely devoted to squatting and support exercises such as kettlebell swings (video) and cable pull-through.
Basically... Squat.
Ryan
Dear BBQ,
You are correct, if done with improper form, squatting can wreck your knees. However to say that this should diswade you from squatting is a total myth. There is nothing you can do for your body that is better than some heavy sets of squats; assuming you don't have injuries that will be activated by said squats. This article here talks about some of the dangers of squatting and how to prevent them.
Keep in mind that although when we talk about squatting we usually are referring to the back squat, there are many other options available as are talked about in this article. I should mention that I do disagree with the form they recommend on the back squat though. It is popular to only squat to parallel, but that is only half a squat. If you are going to say that you squat you should be doing at least 3/4 squats (down past parallel), if not full squats (down till you are sitting on your ankles). Don't full squat too much weight though as it can put some nasty leverage on your knees.
In short, whether you want to build size, get toned, or just be a normal person who can do much more practically awesome stuff than your average Joe, you must squat. Another good article on squatting took a poll of bodybuilders across the nation and just over 50% dedicate an entire day to just doing squats. For me I'm doing a three day rotation and day to is entirely devoted to squatting and support exercises such as kettlebell swings (video) and cable pull-through.
Basically... Squat.
Ryan
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