When I do squats my knees hurt...normal or not?

Question

I just started doing squats and when I bend my knees ache. I make sure not to overextend my knees past my toes and I move slowly but I can only make it down so far before the pain. It's not an excruciating pain but rather annoying and preventative of completing a full squat. Is this normal for squat newbies? Am I doing something wrong? Is there anything I can do to toughen my knees?

i *am * fairly sedate and have just started exercising in general.

"BTW do you drink a fair bit of alcohol by any chance?"

i find that a very odd question in relation to the topic but i'm sure there's a reason for asking it. no, i don't drink alot at all.

Answer 1

It's normal because the muscles aren't used to their "new regimen." The problem lies, primarily, in the front part of your legs and hamstring muscles (located slightly below the bend of your legs). Here's how to fix it:
1. For the front portion, apply heat 20-30 minutes BEFORE stretching. Not stretching beforehand will cause severe muscle strain and tightening. Slowly lift each leg, toes pointed, holding for 10 counts. PLEASE LISTEN TO ME ON THIS POINT!!! IF YOU DON'T, IT WILL HURT LIKE CRAP: Lower your leg back down SLOWLY, allowing your heel to meet the surface you're lying on. There will be a severe pull in the front part of your leg if you don't.

For hamstrings, get a sheet and knot it as a rope. Put it over your foot and lift, using the sheet as a "pulley," as high as you can. Keep your leg STRAIGHT for maximum benefit. When the pain begins to really "burn," you're over-extending. Be careful. The purpose is to make the hamstring more flexible--not have to see a doctor to fix a hamstring pull.

Answer 2

Knees Hurt After Squats

Answer 3

Knee Pain After Squats

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
When I do squats my knees hurt...normal or not?
I just started doing squats and when I bend my knees ache. I make sure not to overextend my knees past my toes and I move slowly but I can only make it down so far before the pain. It's not an excruciating pain but rather annoying and preventative of completing a full squat. Is this normal for...

Answer 5

Some people just have weaker joints then others...be careful though...if you feel pain in your knees in every rep you should stop doing them that way, or you may just be going to low for your body, and or you are squatting with to much weight. You should have a trainer or someone show you other types of squats...there are tons of ways to squat but in different positions, some more beneficial then others. Try using the ball against the wall as support to guide you up and down in a squat position with no weight...those are good and fat people do them because they are easier and less strenuous on your joints....just always be careful

Answer 6

I do a weight class and the correct position for squats is to stick your backside out as in exaggerated 'sitting' in chair, chest up and make sure your knees don't go over your toes. Your weight has to be in your heels to get this right squat with your big toe sticking up.
Since you have just started to exercise you will feel twinges this is the body letting you know that is about as much as it wants to do. As you exercise more you will 'limber' up and be able to get down lower in your squats.
Far better to make sure the technique is right that way you don't get injuries.
There are people who squat heavy weights but do not get down low others use lower weights and get down really low. So, it is a personal thing. Studies here in Australia showed that warming up before exercise made no difference to sustaining injuries. Again, this is a personal thing.
Good on you for getting started and best wishes for the future.

Answer 7

Guide To Chronic Knee Pain!

Answer 8

A lot of people can't squat because they have torn menisci and need either a meniscus repair or menisectomy like say if you squat and only one leg hurts than if that is so then you definitely have a torn meniscus

Answer 9

this is not normal. (though i'm not exactly an expert) your body is made to move like that so there shouldn't be any problems (i do martial arts and push my body to the limit and never had this problem at the start).

also, consider this, i'm a 5'2 girl and piggy backed a 14stone man (dunno the conversion to pounds but that's damn heavy) and still did squats with him no problems.

also, i ripped the ligaments in my left knee one taekwondo tournament around 2 years ago and sometimes i get a really dull pain and can't bend it too well but i can still do squats no problems on non-dull pain days.

try running. it strengthens the muscles.

Answer 10

it might be stretching and the wrong weight, or planning the reps.
i had a starter weight set and did power squats in the weightroom at eighteen.
if you don't know how far to do a squat or haven't been instructed you may run into these problems