How low can you go?
“Squats are bad for your knees”
“Squats will hurt your back”
“You just need to go ½ way”
Wow!
These statements were made by anecdotal evidence that blames the actual movement for pain in the knees and back.
“I was at the gym and I was doing my leg extensions, hamstring curls and leg press…as soon as I did my squats, bang, I felt a pain in my knee!”
How about blaming the previous, simple, linear, non-weight bearing, machine-based, un-stabilizing exercises?
Now don’t get me wrong. Machines at a gym have a place. They can teach someone who is unstable how to move. Once this initial weaning period is done with then integrating the isolated muscles to compound movements is not only ideal, it is absolutely necessary!
A squat, when done properly will:
- Create joint strength in the lower extremities
- Build bone density due to the fact that it is a weight bearing exercise
- Teach the individual how to create alignment from the ankles to the knees to the hips and to the shoulders
- Strengthens the glutes in order to strengthen the knees and the foot’s arch
- Limber up the hamstrings
- Strengthen the lower and upper back
- Support the pelvic floor
- Create weight bearing mobility in the hips
- Strengthen the quadriceps, trunk, ribs and diaphragm as well
“But I do have soreness in my knees and can’t get there just yet.”
Test yourself!
Stand feet slightly shoulder width apart, arms up in the air. Squat down and take note of what happens. Are you leaning forward? Did your knees buckle in? Did you lean to one side? Do your feet splay outwards?
Now, grab a hold of something very sturdy. Step back at arms length and while holding on, squat down. You should notice that it was a lot easier!
We can start you at the level that you need to start at after we have assessed what your lower extremities can do!
Give us a call at 514 556-4994 and we will show you how low you can go!