10 replies to this topic

[mikestrong]

GOOD VIPs,
Stupid of me.

I have for a long time avoided doing squats, instead I would do the seated leg press. Many years ago I had back pain & problems from working at UPS & in construction related job.

So doing squats always seemed too risky, somehow I seen some show they where talking about squats are a must to have in your WORKOUT. Anyway I decided to start back with it, it went good first 2 times, but 3rd time I lost my focus & felt the ELECTRICITY go through my spine.

It has been a week, I am ok, but the pain was very bad, only after some Strong Meds, PT & Massages can I say that.

However I am no quitter, really thinking about doing them again soon. I did not use a belt & I am thinking that could be a key to avoiding injury.

Anyone have any feedback or advice?

peace
mikestrong

[Ms.Wetback]

All I can say are somethings are not worth it. If you have back issues stay away from them, stick with the leg press and enjoy life pain free. There comes a point where quality of life supersedes looking good.

[DECADOG]

Bro...if you have any type of disc problem...do NOT do them!!! You will pay and most likely end up on pain killers for possibly the rest of your life like me. And i know some people love these pills I take, but trust me, the side effects suck.

I stick to seated leg presses and I don't have any added pain from doing them, but a month back I was feeling really good and decided to try squats with very light weight...like 100 pounds and it took me out till yesterday. I was so weak starting again after the time off because the pain pills drain my strength if I take off more than 10 days in a row.

Do yourself a favor and stick to leg presses..

[MissKBuff]

Give it time, lots of time, I'm really sorry to hear this Anything involving the back getting injured really sucks...and unfortunately, because of the importance of the back with any movement, it can take a while to heal.

I hope that it gets better soon!

[ruffneck]

Do you have bird legs? If not then why even risk further injury to a disk and possible surgery. I can't do any type of squat and have trouble with leg press. Just put to much pressure on the lower portion of my back. I say unless you are training for a show or your upper body out shines your legs so bad it looks funny then leave the squats alone.

[ajdos]

2 exercises for you Mike- front squats on a Smith machine and lunges- they are almost as challenging as squats and can really build up leg size.

[catadrioptic]

I have arthritis in my back and still squat lightly...never over 275lbs for at least 12-15 reps. I ALWAYS use a good belt when squatting.I do hip sled and extensions as well for my legs but I always stay light. If you don't have a good supportive belt invest in one it is a very necessary part of training IMO.

[bambam9193]

Ouch! Be careful! I know for men it's more about the mass but like it was said above, there are plenty of things to do while not putting yourself at risk.
About a year ago I was doing one leg lunges on the smith machine and it felt like half of my right side of my back just collapsed. It's the closest I've ever come to balling my eyes out in front of a bunch of strangers. It took me months of going really light with all leg exercises before I felt comfortable with any type of squats or lunges again. It's really just not worth it if you're feeling any type of back pain at all.

[Realize]

I have several bulging disks in my neck and lower back...while I cant do traditional barbell squats, I can still do hack squats, dumbell squats, lunges and leg presses. My legs have grown considerably with these exercises.

[mikestrong]

Big thanks for all the good feedback.

I will stick to LEGPRESS & do other things. I was NOT really doing them for LEG size, more for complete exercise involving entire body.

My legs are OK in proportion, do have more of runners legs, used to do long distance Track & Field in Highschool, also played a lot of soccer.

Back pain is gone now THANK GOD. I see some of you have been through it also, sleeping was even a problem those days. But all good now so been training quite good again.

Will report back after I see how other leg workouts do for me.

peace & thanks
mikestrong

[genuyne31]

do very light squats.. nothing heavy and that should be ok.. its the weight that hurts you... just like catadrioptic says do weight you can rep for 12-15. it may only be 100 lbs but you will get full body work and no pain..