What are "sissy squats"?

[Athena]

Are they squats with dumbbells? Hack squats with a barbell instead of a machine? Partials?

I'm baffled.

[BigStew]

Here is a link
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/exercise2/sissy_squats.htm
reps needed

[Eileen]

They are squats, often bodyweight, done at an odd angle. You might do better to google a clip of someone doing one.

Imagine standing beside a frame, perhaps holding a plate to your chest with one arm. Hold the frame with the other hand, and lean backwards, bending your knees and keeping your truck straight as you go. Now straighten up again. That's one version of sissy squats.

[Athena]

Thanks to both of you. These seem extremely odd and hard on the knees.

In your humble opinions, are they worth it for helping to shape the quads (yes, lower weight, higher reps -- 12-20 reps, specifically) when combined with hacks, leg press and leg extensions?

Just curious. I'm trying to not second-guess my sports doc's opinion...but...

[Mango]

I don't think you are going to be able to manage reps of 12 to 20 without severe drugs.

Sissy squats are anything but sissy, they're horrible, but effective. I do think there are alternatives that are more reasonable, though, and that they don't need to be a staple in anybody's workout.

[Eileen]

I cycle a lot, so I don't do them often, but they are great for hitting the lower parts of the thighs, or if you want a tough workout and have no weights handy.

[Athena]

Thanks, Eileen and TricepGirl -- your responses explain a lot. We're trying to reshape my legs and so I can see his focus being on the lower section of the quads. As for the rep range, well, I'll just see what I can manage with no weights (and no drugs), but I don't know how far I'll get with this exercise and bad knees...

Many thanks again,
Athena

[buttandlegs]

I love to do sissy squats after a set of leg extentsions or squats. I like high repetition 25-50 with 25-45 pound plate. I've gotten great results from that. I do it once or twice a month.

[Ninja J]

a better image ..
http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Quadriceps/WTSissySquat.html