Doc said no squats

zlightning · 05-06-2003, 03:46 PM

Without squats how else can I bulid up my legs for football?

brb, dc · 05-06-2003, 05:03 PM

Why are you not allowed to do squats? Is it because of a recent injury?

Bill Hartman · 05-06-2003, 06:15 PM

Hey Z,

How does your doc expect you to take a dump without squatting? I hope you have good aim. (okay, bad joke)

I understand why he would make such a recommendation, but it is too generalized. Does he want you to avoid all closed chain knee flexion? Did he recommend you not play football? We need more info here.

The thing to remember is not to aggrevate the symptoms and make your meniscus tear worse or cause swelling, ROM limitations, etc.

Alternatives: low step-ups (forward, side, retro) progressing in height symptom free. sled dragging should also be a big help. I used the sled almost exclusively after my knee surgery. vary the resistance and distance depending on your needs.

Can you sprint? Don't forget that your level of conditioning, speed, and agility (and your brain) are what will make you a great f-ball player. There is no squat rack on the football field.

Also work the hell out of your posterior chain with hypers, reverse hypers, RDLs, and good mornings. also consider power variations of oly lifts from the hang (to avoid the squat portion so much).

It surprises me that your doc would say don't squat, but not restrict you otherwise or be more specific. That kind of general order makes me uncomfortable.

Does he know you intend to play ball?

Bill Hartman

Bostrom · 05-06-2003, 09:27 PM

If he won't allow you to squat, you surely won't be able to play ball.

zlightning · 05-08-2003, 12:09 AM

Well I just had surgery monday. Cinco de mayo. I tore cartlidge in my knee and developed a band that had to be removed. He says squats are too hard on the knees. He did say they would give me a program so I can play ball next year.

Bill Hartman · 05-08-2003, 11:39 AM

Hey Z,

send me your program (or post it) when you get it. I'm just curious what they intend to recommend. If there are any form of step-ups, lunges, etc. on there, you should be fine (although to load to the knee isn't much different than a squat). I'd also like to see your docs references which indicate that squats are too hard on the knees (assuming you still have some cartilage left. If not than life will be "hard on your knees")

Bill

zlightning · 05-08-2003, 11:24 PM

Well he did say it was banned in the NFL because of how bad they are. I tried to look that up but didn't find anything besides big time intimidation seeing someone that can squat 900lbs bench 500lbs, power clean 400. Ya I need to get much stronger. I can just barely deadlift 400. Although I only deadlifted once and that was 400lbs.

Bostrom · 05-09-2003, 12:06 AM

Squats are not banned in any sport. They are the single most effective strength exercise bar none. You should talk with a sports therapist who deals with athletes. After the initial rehab work is done, squats are the key exercise to build lower body strength and stability in the knee joint.

Bill Hartman · 05-09-2003, 12:05 PM

Z,
If your doc actually said that he is FOS (full of..well you get my point). I challenge you to find any NFL team that doesn't allow their players to squat. More like they require them to. Hit the rehab!

Bill Hartman