Squats

hvanantwerp · 02-15-2008, 03:16 AM

Hi Guys,

I went to see a spinal surgeon yesterday (Specialised Orthopeadic) regarding a small problem I have with pins and needles in both arms, after some test (still waiting for results), he has advised I stay off the squats as I dont want to put too much pressure on my shoulders.

He lifts himself and said I should replace this with Hack squats, well I asked if I could and he was happy with that.

The question is, as I have never done these myself and the machine pretty much gathers dust at the gym cause no one uses it, any tips on form etc when attempting these?

Just shoulder width apart and off you go? Would I be able to use the same weights as I did on the normal back squats or would I be able to lift less or more?

Just want an idea of what I am getting into, thanx

**under construction** · 02-15-2008, 10:17 AM

like anything new start really light to get your form down and go from there. Since you are doing them because of a condition you are experiencing dont add anymore weight until your next work out to see if it further aggravates your condition. good Luck

**ZackKnight** · 02-15-2008, 10:24 AM

Form is most important. Don't let the weights get in your way of making your form perfect. With perfect form the weights will come, but im going to have to cosign with UnderConstruction here, use light weight for a week and see how your condition is. If you were to have a serious spinal injury and rupture a disk or herniate a disk, that's going to cause serious problems. I'm gonna be a total anatomy nerd here, but if your nucleus pulposus comes out of your anulus fibrosus then ur going to need surgery to correct it and will be out for wayyy longer than you would if you just babied it for a while. Just be careful man.

happy lifting!

**mr_bhana** · 02-15-2008, 10:28 AM

theres loads of variation on the hack squats, ive seen people using it facing the opposite direction, different foot placements but i like to stick with the basics.. i agree start off light

hvanantwerp · 02-15-2008, 10:30 AM

Yeah thanx guys, thought I might take it slow.

Did a MRI but that apparently didnt show any physialogical issues, also then went for a nerve response test as the next possible prob, turns out this was a dead end street, nerve are as healthy as the day I was born.

Seems to be a bit of a mystery at this stage, fortunately no slipped discs or anything of that type, apparently the bone structure is in perfect condition.

But thanx for the advice, will start slow and work my way forward one day at a time

42gunz · 02-15-2008, 02:58 PM

dont carry the bar on your shoulder... carry it in the middle of your traps, shouldnt be any shoulder pressure.

KM · 02-15-2008, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvanantwerp

Hi Guys,

I went to see a spinal surgeon yesterday (Specialised Orthopeadic) regarding a small problem I have with pins and needles in both arms, after some test (still waiting for results), he has advised I stay off the squats as I dont want to put too much pressure on my shoulders.

He lifts himself and said I should replace this with Hack squats, well I asked if I could and he was happy with that.

The question is, as I have never done these myself and the machine pretty much gathers dust at the gym cause no one uses it, any tips on form etc when attempting these?

Just shoulder width apart and off you go? Would I be able to use the same weights as I did on the normal back squats or would I be able to lift less or more?

Just want an idea of what I am getting into, thanx

Well...

Sorry to hear about the problems man. Get better. When I do the barbell Hack Squat, I try to place my hands where they are comfortable. If you think of the exercise it is probably one of the most unnatural movements possible. Try to find the form that works best with your situation. Here's some views of the Hack Squat bro:

KM · 02-15-2008, 06:35 PM

One more-

TylerDurden389 · 02-16-2008, 08:54 AM

You should look into Dave Drapers "Top Squat". It has handles in front of you on the bar so people with shoulder problems can still do regular squats. Does cost a pretty penny though, like 140. I'd suggest keeping an eye on it on ebay or craigslist.

hvanantwerp · 02-17-2008, 04:59 AM

Thanx for the inputs lads, Much appreciated.

I am going to just rest it a bit till I hear more from the doc, will then maybe attempt some of those Hacks he suggested.

happy lifting guys

till later

H

hvanantwerp · 02-18-2008, 02:05 AM

I was thinking of going for the sled squats :