Can't do squats/suggestions

[bravo11p]

I am unable to do Smith or freeweight squats due to 8 knee operations on the right knee. 3 ACL and 2 PCL replacements plus a few scopes. Pretty much the same with hack squats. Now my gym does have a "Ground Zero" cable squat machine but it's max is 400 lbs and I can pretty much blow that out without breaking a sweat. ANy suggestions?????

[ptbyjason]

The only thing I can think of would be to try to do the machine with one leg, assuming both knees are stable enough to handle it. Do them one leg at a time and now you have 800 lbs to play with instead of 400.

[bex]

If you cannot do leg work dont worry just never wear shorts or tight trousers if you do you will look like a fridge on stilts.

[bravo11p]

I actually have extremely good quad definition and am genetically gifted with really cut, large calfs. Though the right calf is quite smaller than the left from so many surgeries and an achillies tendon repair. (20 years freestyle wrestling) Is it possible to cheat with a bit of size by doing hip abductions? I would imagine that if you develop the hip abducters that would give the appearance of slightly larger quads from a frontal or rear position. Any thoughts?

[ironmike7000]

I injured my right knee about 13 yrs. ago at work.I'm not sure on the correct medical term on what the injury was called but the doc ( who was a knee specialist) told me to never squat or do extensions ever again.To make a long story short,I quit doing legs.It wasn't a severe injury,but it did cause me alot of pain.Well after watching my thighs shrink I decided to try something.I figured something was better than nothing.So what I did was start squatting at home with only the bar.I was to embarressed to do that at the gym.Well after several months the pain started to subside.I then started to add weight.Very little at a time.After about a year,I was doing 225lbs.Not very impressive,but my thighs were starting to grow again.Its been 13 yrs. now and my thighs are back on par.Have been for several yrs. I'm now squatting 315x 10 335x8 355x6 365x3-4. This may not work for you,but I just thought I would share it with you. good luck on whatever you do.

[Sicilian30]

Man, I don't know how bad we are talkin here, but leg work outs will help strenghten those knees.. have you tried wrapping your knees really well with some ace bandages or something? I mean why can't you do light weights and build yourself up? I would start with leg presses on a smith machine, just go slow and take your time, I wouldn't just give them up I don't care how bad I was injured. Hell if that were the case, I wouldn't be doing anything after my back injury.. but I am.. F?ck the doctors.. do what feels good..

[bravo11p]

I use a Lennox Hill brace. It's like 3 grand and thank Uncle Sam for it. I still do leg work just am doing lighter weights and dealing with the pain. I'm on cycle right now and am actually having less pain. God help me when my cycle is done though

[Billy Boy]

If it causes you pain to complete to movement whilst the weight is light you should,nt be doing it.Listen to your body if it hurts back off.Do other things to strengthen those areas like swimming,very light ext without locking the knee out.Gradually increase the strength over time,afterall its not a race.