Squates+Back Problems

[Deny]

Hello everybody,

A few weeks ago I posted a thread about how it bothered me to have skinny legs. I have a pretty decent upper body but my legs just don't fit the whole package. I've been skinny my whole life and it is hard for me to gain weight. I am not worried about gaining weight though.
I started doing squats at home with my Weider weight machine. I couldn't lift much so i started lifting just two blocks. That's probably useless. The problem is that even not lifting much weight i started having back pain. I 've had serious back problems since i was 13. So what can i do now? Just accept that i can't have prettier legs or there is something else i can do? I don't want to be muscular, but just to have decent proportional legs to my 26 y.o., 120 pounds, 5 foot 6 body.

Thanks.

[IGOTTHEHOOKUP]

If you have serious back problems you should NOT be doing squats.....
Most people would first be put on a core strengthening routine and then gradually increase to possibly doing squats (depending on the severity of their injury/back problems). Once ones core muscles have been strengthened and ONLY if their doctor has given them clearance to do squats, one might proceed to doing squats. BUT, not everyone is able to do squats. Yes they are possibly the best exercise ever invented but, if you have had SERIOUS back problems for the last 13 years you will definitely want to speak with your primary physician first.

[Ravenous_T]

If you have serious back problems you should NOT be doing squats...EVER!!!

Squats are extremely hard on the spine, especially your lower back.

You may try a leg press machine or leg extensions for your quads and lying leg curls for your hamstrings. Lunges with no weight might work also.

Also seated calf raises for your calves.

Absolutely incorrect.

If you do squats correctly, they will help strengthen your back. Do NOT use a machine, use free weights. Some back injuries may cause issues with squats, but many do not. I would suggest talking to your Dr. or a PT about your type of injury and how you can work around it.


Also, just an FYI but you are in the female forum.

As for the weight issue, EAT. Then eat some more.

[amazonchick]

Bumps to RavT. I am tall also and when I squat, I have to take the weight down some especially compared to leg press (and I squat ATG). Make sure your form is correct and the weight is light until you feel in total control of the motion. Ego has to go in preference to form. It is crucial to do squats so you can get all those stabilizer muscles working, even if the weight it lighter. You can supplement with leg press if you want to do a compound set but they are two different motions.

[LadyStarlight]

I have some subluxated discs in my lower back, scoliosis, arthritis of the spine, and right now, a severely pinched nerve, meaning I can't exercise at all right now.
Despite that, my back and core is strong. Part of it is natural for me, but I am sure that part of it has come from squatting and other exercises that have worked my core. Being pretty much "crippled" this week....meaning I can not even change positions or get up or get down without major manuevering and effort and pain....I have learned exactly how much your lower back is used in everything, even laughing! And, the fact that mine is strong has made things much easier than would have otherwise been for me.

Now, if you've had serious back problems since the age of 13, I would suspect that someone with expertise in anatomy is who you should be consulting. So, bump to the PT, please. Personally, my back NEVER acted up from squatting. Get your form checked by the expert if you're given the green light to squat. I do not think you can take the responses offered on this board as informed advice.

Other exercises you can consider for the legs are step-ups and lunges. Ask the PT about them too.

[NavyGal]

I work with PT's as an Exercise Specialist. Most of the people we see with your same complaint feel pain while squatting because either their form is wrong or their core muscles are weak. Usually you are put on a core stabilization and strenghtening program and recommended to try the squats at a lower weight and gradually increase it as your core becomes stronger and can handel it. Also step ups, seat leg presses, incline leg presses, lunge variations will all target the legs as well as your core for stabalization so make sure your form is perfect and your abs are tight and contracted throughout each movement.

[SP8]

I can't think of a bigger mistake than putting on a lot of weight with bad form. It's a waste of time. That said I see it everytime I go to the gym ( mostly guys, go figure ) they got all the weight they can find stacked on a bar and thier form sucks. If I can't do it right I won't do the weight. I'd rather get the most from each rep than have the most weight on. Just me. I would check with a Dr about the problems and see what they say about squats, my guess is it's OK to do them as long as you keep correct form. As with anything if you think there is a problem and you don't know what to do see someone who knows, this case the Dr. Thanks JDS

[Deny]

Thanks guys for the advices. I've had scoliosis for 13 years and I know my back and core are weak. I was the kind that always tried to skip PE at school. I was never strong. Well, I will see if I can talk to a PT or a Dr. about my back problems. It has been a nuisance for a long time.