I lurk this subforum here, but never post, thanks for all the great workout and diet tips, this is one of the best resources on the net for no nonsense men's health advice IMO. Due to a HS sports injury involving losing cartilage in my knees, the surgeon told me that it would not be good for me to do squats, lunges or deadlifts, esp as I aged, and to do leg extensions and curls instead. My parents both also have lousy knees as they age, mother with arthritis in knees to boot. Fast forward decades and now I am 50, have never had any knee issues since HS, but also have always followed the surgeon's prescription.
I'd really like to start doing some squats and at the very least moderate leg press, but am hesitant. I am interested in health and mild strength gains, not bb or competitive sports any more. At this point in my life, I value flexibility, balance, joints and health more than body aesthetics or size. My sensible head says "stick with what works and just do the extensions and curls, calf raises." My gym head says "you can probably do some squats or at least leg press with moderate weight with no prob if the form is correct and fluid instead of jerky."
Any thoughts? esp from anyone with such past knee injuries? Sorry so long for what is essentially a simple question.
I'd really like to start doing some squats and at the very least moderate leg press, but am hesitant. I am interested in health and mild strength gains, not bb or competitive sports any more. At this point in my life, I value flexibility, balance, joints and health more than body aesthetics or size. My sensible head says "stick with what works and just do the extensions and curls, calf raises." My gym head says "you can probably do some squats or at least leg press with moderate weight with no prob if the form is correct and fluid instead of jerky."
Any thoughts? esp from anyone with such past knee injuries? Sorry so long for what is essentially a simple question.