Squats - any alternative?

[Melbourne]

I love squats. I agree they are the one indispensable exercise in any strength program.

Unfortunately, I can't do them anymore. I have had shoulder surgeries which mean that I cannot do heavy squats anymore. In fact, I am barely allowed to do light squats. I have tried all sorts of variations of stance, bar position, depth etc. My specialist says I just have to accept it. He says I should just be thankful I am not a labourer or professional athlete.

Can anyone suggest an alternative to squats?

Leg press is fine - but what's the point?

Dead lift is okay. I think it will have to take the place of squats as my main strength exercise.

I haven't really tried deep single leg squats. I'll try those this afternoon and let you know. I can hold onto dumbells, which is not as much of a problem as having a bar accross my back.

[Behemoth]

What about front squats?

[Skarhead1]

SAFETY squat bar... Its actually harder than a normal squat and will give you no pain on the shoulders

[teej]

i know leg press isn't the same but i do use it sometimes, just prefer it over squats and i will feel it the next day. try supersetting leg press with leg extensions if you can't do any form of squats

[Phil9999]

Hack Squats, Front Squats, Sissy Squats

[Juggernaut2148]

Looks to be the leg press for you my good man, that is if you're looking to move a good amount of weigth. Of course other excercises like those mentioned above are still on the menu.......but no one mentioned lunges which would be criminal to forget. You can use a smith machine or DB's, whichever doesn't agrivate the shoulder.

[Mr.SUST]

what type of surgeries and how long ago? i had a shoulder rebuilt last june, and it was a little uncomfortable at first to get under a barbell and squat. but over the period of a month or so after being cleared to begin my own exercise program, i was nice and loose again in the shoulder area. my PT told me i would never be doing BB benches again, but i am back to 5x10 w/225#.....this is the only thing i am taking slow....

[Behemoth]

You can still move large weights with front squats.

[Melbourne]

Thank you for the thoughtful and knowledgeable comments.

Front squats are no good, unless I do a weight as light as I do on normal squats.

There are lots of exercises which will give the legs a good burn. Among these are lunges, leg press, extensions, curls and of course dead lifts and even good mornings. I can also do high reps of low weight on squats and front squats.

Unfortunately, none of them seem to give the same cross over effect that heavy squats do. I found that as I started using heavier squats, my bench press was easily as strong as before I hurt my shoulder. You know, I was just stronger all over.

I have had a bad result from a couple of surgeries which have left me with limited range of movement, muscle wasting and aggravated degenerative arthritis. Its been a couple of years now. Its a mess in there and I wish I had not had surgery in the first place.

[Mr.SUST]

sorry to hear, wish i could help more bro....i would go with hacks and leg presses

[Melbourne]

sorry to hear, wish i could help more bro....i would go with hacks and leg presses

Yeah, it looks like I'll be lining up to use the leg press machine with everyone else.

[BOOMA]

tire drags bro!

[Melbourne]

tire drags bro!

Yeah? Tell me more.

[OC Cartel]

zercher squats