Sore Knees

[MikeC]

Hello Mr. Peterson

I am new to this forum and let me say, what a plethora of information and enthusiasm! I have just recently stopped weight training ( I've body built for years; competed; and pro wrestled too. ), have taken up body weight training and can't believe the results! Searching around the internet has landed me here and I haven't left, so thanks to all.

Question: When I stand from a squatted position, my knees are momentarily very painful. They feel as if they want to "give out". Why is this?? If I were to squat or do leg extensions with weights or without, my knees would be fine ( once warmed up, of course ). If I run or bike ride, all is fine. But squat down for a brief period of time, then stand and then I feel great discomfort until fully erect. Any ideas as to why and whether Hindu Squats are still advisable?? Thank you

Mike

[djanello]

Hindu squats are tricky, my knees start to feel funny after about 100 reps at full range of motion. To prevent any chance of injury I've been doing partials starting from almost no movement to almost full range and back based on comfort level. Even at a tiny range of motion you can still get a huge cardio burn going with these squats (much more than the stair-step alternative) especially if you crank up the rpms on the partials.

A big part of the cardio comes from the arm motion on this exercise so the exact range of motion on the legs is not as big a factor as it might appear at first glance.

As always, avoiding injury is #1. Even a minor sprain can derail training for a long time.

[MikeC]

The pain doesn't occur while exercising but after squatting down, remaining there for a brief period of time, then standing back up again. I do construction work so I feel this daily. I need to put two hands on one knee, then push off to stand up. No discomfort in any other position. Weird, huh?

[MikeC]

I tried it and fell on my a@& 3 times!

[MikeC]

I fell on my ass 3 times! And felt some discomfort in my knees....

[John Peterson]

Hello MikeC,

You stated, "When I stand from a squatted position, my knees are momentarily very painful. They feel as if they want to "give out". Why is this??"

My question to you is, how long have you been in a squat position when this happens? As far as, "Why is this??" I don't have enough information to even venture a guess. It may be due to any number of factors including a very heavy body weight. But then again, I have no idea of what you weigh or how tall you are.

You also mention that you have competed in body building and pro wrestling but that you recently stopped weight training. I'm curious MikeC, what was the reason that you stopped training with weights?

And finally,you also say..."have taken up body weight training and can't believe the results!" I'm curious, what kind of results have you achieved with body weight training? I'd be curious to know the major differences that you have seen and felt. I look forward to your response. Thank You.

---John Peterson

[MikeC]

Hello Mr. Peterson

I did ask a vague question, didn't I? I apologize. I'm 41, 5'8", 185 lbs at around 8-9% body fat. Today at work I squatted down for about 30 seconds and stood back up with some discomfort in the knees. But this morning I did 3 sets 70 Hindu squats with no problems. But I'll tell you what gives me the most discomfort...one legged squats. I can't even do one!. I put one leg out in front of me and attempt to lower down and then think, "No WAY is this gonna happen". laughs. My knee won't handle it. I can't even go lower than half way, if even that much. Oh well. I'll just chalk it up to being almost 42 and years of heavy leg extensions. laughs

I stopped training with weights for a couple of different reasons. I was nursing an elbow from heavy curls, and always feeling like I threw my back out from heavy rows. I would always have a guy at work crack my back after rows. And my "Applicable Strength" didn't seem up to par with my size. I work construction and sometimes hoist around some heavy things and my body always felt....fragile. Always a twinge here or a stain there. Something wasn't right. I was a proponent of the Arthur Jones training i.e, 2-3 times a week,full body, 1 set to failure, come close to puking often, etc. The last couple of years I have worked out at home. I have around 450 lbs of plates but no squat rack. So I would load up my dumbbells and put 70 lbs in a back pack and squat for 20 or more reps. Or put plates on my chest, hold on to my cabinet and do sissy squats. Any way, I felt limited. And I felt like I should be stronger than I was...not with weights but in life.

Now I have been body-weight training for the past month and I can't believe how much fuller and tighter I look! And I REALLY can't believe how much leaner I have gotten. It's amazing. And yes, I feel much stronger at work and no longer fragile. Basically ( please tell me if you think this is o.k ) what I have done are push-ups ( or dips ) , chins, crunches, hindu squats, and curls with Bodylastic bands. One set each in succession for about a half hour straight, 6 days a week. I look and feel GREAT.

I do not have any of your books but I AM intrigued by this whole G.U.T.S thing. I just may have to check it out!

Thanks

[John Peterson]

Hey MikeC,

That certainly is a great response. I'm looking forward to your participation on our forum. And let me also say that I doubt that you are the only one that suffers knee pain after you have been in a deep squat for some time and then stand up. In fact, I seriously doubt that you and I are the only men on this forum to ever experience that condition.

---John Peterson

[Spid_Amerzon]

The guy in the video starts rounding his back after going just past parallel. Isn't this something to avoid? And if it happens shouldn't one work on flexibility?

[MikeC]

Thanks Tom for all your input. I really appreciate it.

Mike