Are there negative issues with deep squats for the over 40 crowd starting back into exercise?
It wouldn’t be wise to start anyone with deep squats, lunges, etc. How is that a good idea? If you don’t know how well they will handle a half squat, why would you jump right to a full squat let alone a deep squat? No one wants to start with the basics anymore. If you don’t know how well your client can move at all joints and you have them do any exercises, you are not following the guidelines we are supposed to be. And if you are loading them right off the start! Please tell me your not.
Hi Rick,
This is one of those gray areas.
Sure, you see You Tube videos where people squat ’till they touch the ground ‘ but your clients may not have that ROM. Keep in mind the clientele you have, their medical history (knee) and their form.
It’s not great if someone squats down to the ground but rounds their back or exhibits ‘butt wink’.
(Of course, the person should squat properly before weights are used or squat depth level is increased!)
Everybody may not be able to deep squat.
Unless your client is a competitive power lifter, I think that squats past 90 degrees of knee flexion, especially where the knee proceeds anterior to the foot, are inappropriate for any age group. The post-patellar pressure rises dramatically past 90 degrees of flexion, especially under resistance overload.
Take care.
Hey stud…
A negative can be addressed with almost any motion or exercise, This is the purpose of utilizing good form & movement postures. Speaking from experience on this one I will share w/u:
I usually squat heavy & utilize a variety of them @ varying weight. Box’s go over 500+ lbs., full squats – bar no smith machine 360+, deep’s & partials get a variety depending on how I feel that day.
Thinking back I have come in contact w/much info relating to bio-mechanics & physical conditioning, I cannot remember EVER finding info against squatting UNLESS there were some pre-existing medical issue.
Range of motion & control will vary from person to person. Easily coach able 1 on 1, not so much in a group. Remember your hips & core are your control mechanisms. If the movement is choppy & not to your standard stop them & reinforce what u want 2 see from them.
Weight used is primary concern in a healthy individual, start by assessing body control in a assisted deep squat for ur peace of mind. Lack of control, general bad form & over ambitious weight is what I see affect negatively more time than not. BUT, screw 1 of those up enough…
u will have all the negative issue 1 can handle