Squats are NOT Bad For Your Knees

[custom_frame_left][/custom_frame_left]I am not sure where the myth that squats are bad for your knees came about but let’s be clear that it is FALSE. Squats being done incorrectly are what is going to be harmful for your knees. Squats are one of the best exercises you can do for lower body and will actually help to stabilize the knee when they are done properly.

[custom_frame_left][/custom_frame_left]A good squat requires your hips getting to at least 90 degrees or “parallel” for depth, but I strive for my clients to go below that. You have to shift your weight to the heels of your feet and activate your hamstrings, glutes, and core muscles rather than just using your quadriceps. In order to teach your body how to do this properly I usually start clients with a squat to a box. This helps to give them the depth needed but they have something to fall back onto in case their body does not have the proprioception to do it on its own yet. Once comfortable, try them without a box!