Squats

Just a word of warning if you do this do not get used to pushing backward because as you progress to squats with weight you will have a tendency to lean backward and that could cause you to fall and with 100lbs or more over your head that won't be good.

I would say only do this for 1 or 2 times to get used to the awkward feeling of squats and then do a couple days without.

If you are not this far along, a simple way to do squats is just get up and down from your couch. 10 times each commercial break, in 1 sitcom you could get 30-50 squats in.

Does anyone know of any safe modifications you can make in order to do squats and still have them be effective? I have pretty severe arthritis in my left knee so I struggle but I so want a cute butt!

If/When you watch TV get up and sit back down on your couch 10-20 times per commercial break. That is essentially a squat. For the arthritis, take some Aleve before your squats and you will barely feel it. I have mild arthritis in one hip (or so my doctor things, it feel more muscle/tendon to me) and Aleve really helps a lot.

There are also a number of other glute exercises that can help get you that cute but that may not put so much pressure on your knee. Also the more you exercise, the better your knee will feel unless your arthritis is so severe that your cartlidge is completely gone. 

If you are doing squats properly you should feel an equal distribution of effort in all parts of your legs, if you are feeling particular strain in your knees (beyond just regular discomfort from arthritis) then you might be doing them wrong.

Here is and article I found in an arthritis magazine about using wall squats to build strength, see if this helps:

http://www.arthritistoday.org/what-you-can-do/protecting-joi nts/how-to-use-your-joints/squat-correctly.php

Well it would be like getting up and down off the couch if you didn't actually sit on the couch,  I think the act of sitting down would negate a lot of the squat,  being able to stop yourself and hold in place is part of the work. 

 

Actually no, its the down and up motion that is the squat, not holding it. Also the couch thing is for people starting out, evenually they would need to move to air squats or wall squats and then ultimately on to squats with weights.

Thanks, Keith...the one knee is bone on bone but I think I can modify things slightly to take some of the pressure off. I googled it a bit and that article helps a lot...I'm going to do what I can and see where it takes me! Very excited about this so thanks again!

I have issues with my left knee and my trainer really worked with me to make sure I was using proper form. If doing them right you should not feel it in your knee but more in your inner thigh, butt and front thighs. Make sure your knees go over your toes, weight in your heels, and you are in a wider stance with your feet angled outwards.

And push down through your heals.