Leg mass for old man with bad knees

[Ronnie Rowland]

Im 44 yrs old, competing for 3 years, but lifting for 30 on/off, last 4 hard.

Ive been trying to add leg mass for the last couple of years. I squat, leg press, hack squat, leg extension, some lunges. I was doing heavy squat (495-575) but not completely to paralell for 8-10 reps. I felt I was NOT going deep enough so Ive retrained myself starting light and now Im going to paralell. Im fine until I get to 405. After one set of 405 my knees start to hurt. During my last workout, I could only do 405 for one set due to intense knee pain. I think that those 2-3 more inches lower are doing me in. After about 15 minutes rest I went on to heavy leg press with no problem. Then I went back and tried a 225 lb squat for reps but it tore me up with intense knee pain before I got to rep 7. I didnt even get low on this set before the pain started. I wrap my knees when over 315 lbs.

Should I stay a little lighter and maintain paralell on squat? Or reduce my overall travel on squats if I go over 315? Give up squat?

Im trying to add size so any suggestions would be appreciated. My knees never bothered me under any condition until I reached 40 yrs old.

First let the knee heal before doing anymore squats!

Next, I would recommend doing heavy leg presses at the beginning of the workout and then follow up with lighter squats. When doing the squats reduce the travel by 2-3 inches in order to take the strain off the knee!

This should help!

[Bossman]

That sounds like a good plan. I warm up with extensions now before squat but that's not pre exhausting them. From what I can tell, its only squat that's giving me trouble.

Thanks!

First let the knee heal before doing anymore squats!

Next, I would recommend doing heavy leg presses at the beginning of the workout and then follow up with lighter squats. When doing the squats reduce the travel by 2-3 inches in order to take the strain off the knee!

This should help!