Knee pain when doing Squats... bad technique?

[Caracal]

I've been doing squats for a few months now, and for some reason, i've started getting a sharp pain in my left knee. It's weird, cause I only get the pain when i'm doing squats, when i'm onthe treadmill, bike, or doing other leg exercises, I don't really feel any pain (although I do feel it when I do leg presses).

Anyway, the way my instructor showed me to do squats, was to have a bench under me (for safety I think...?). So I basically lower myself until my backside hits the bench, then I raise again.

I start off doing 20 reps with only the bar (20KG), then do a 20 reps (matrix) with 40KG, then do 3x6-10 with 80KG.

I'm guessing that the reason for the pain, is due to bad technique? I've been reading up on good technique, and as far as I can tell, i'm not doing it too badly (keeping my back straight etc), but the only thing i can think of, is the fact that i'm not totally lowering myself...?

Any input appreciated

[NateDogg]

Could be that you are not going deep enough, as you mention. How deep are you going? Could also be too much weight?

[Caracal]

Well, because I have a bench under me, I only go 1/2 way down i guess (if you can kinda picture that! ). I'm wondering if going down all the way, would somehow reduce the pain (seeing as there would be less stress put on my knees?) Does that sound right? :confused:

[NateDogg]

Yes.

......................

[Klinger]

I've had the same thing happen on and off. I was wearing a shoe that elevated my heel too much. I was leaning forward and pushing out of the bottom of the movement mostly by using the balls of my feet. That strained the knee joints.

Now I wear flat-footed shoes (or none at all), which helps remind me to blast out of the bottom of the squat from my heels instead.

[Caracal]

I do try to conciously push out from my heels when i rise, but I do wear trainers that raise my heel slightly.. hmmmm

Also, could standing too far forward cause this problem?

[sillyme]

When I first started lifting seriously I started to have knee/shin pain. Then I started wearing those rubber wraps around me knees. Made a big difference. You can pick them up at any sporting goods store.

[Gartrell]

don't need wraps, just don't let ur knees pass in front of ur toes. You compensate for this by putting the weight forward with your shoulders, which u then compensate for by chest out. Basically butt and chest out in different directions. That should reduce the pain tremendously. http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...s/BBSquat.html

My advice, move the bench back a lot so u really have to reach to find it with your butt. Be sure not to sit on the back, cus that'll stress your back too much.

Gartrell