Thunder, is this where doing multiple, long-ish sets with short breaks comes in?

That could work yeah. Anything produces high rates of muscular fatigue

higher reps
super sets
drop sets
tempo constrast
short rests (and therefore increased density)
etc.

Gotcha. I do all these things at different times in my training. Glad to know I've somehow stumbled on some good stuff over the years.

[QUOTE=-thunder-]Squats and deads are the keys to a great lower body - whether you're male or female.[QUOTE]
Is it necessary to do squats? I do deadlifts and sled. Is there anything else that cn replace squats?

Hmmm... it's an interesting question.

One of the many, many things I like about squats is that they put pressure at the top of your spine and all the way down. In addition to core strength/quads/glutes yada yada yada, this also builds up bone density all the way down your spine and through your hips and legs. I can't think of any other exercise that does all this.

???

but Built, you know me, according to Liften Lady I seem to defy all laws remember? Do I need to do squats? Do i need to improve my diet?

This brings up a question. I always hear that you shouldn't do squats if you have knee trouble. I know half squats are bad, but what about ATF squats for the knee? I do ATF squats, concentrating on good form, but I'm always treading a fine line, it seems. But, there's nothing like squats to get your heart rate up.

I keep thinking my knees will get more stable from lifting, but I haven't seen it happen yet.

Wanda

Wanda,
I've been wondering this too. I have one knee that gives me trouble when I run/walk fast/walk on an incline. I find that it bothers me, too, when I do deep squats, but I'm not sure if it's from the squats themselves or residual from using the stupid treadmill too often.

I also keep expecting my knees to get stronger so that I can use the treadmill again, but no such luck yet.

Anyone have any ideas?

Have you considered looking into getting some ART done on them?

hey Wanda, when I went to the doctor for my quad pain he told me the best exercise you can do to strengthen the knees is squats..proper form and not overdoing it will help. Thunder may have some more input on this though.

Hi Thunder & Lift:

I get ART on my upper back, but the thought of getting it done on my knee puts me into a cold sweat. Ugh, I guess it's something I really should consider.

Thanks for the input.

Wanda

It likely wouldn't be done on your knee per se, but rather the supporting musculature. For example, my knee has been bugging me, and I had ART done on my popliteus (back of knee), VMO, and hip flexor (that one kills). He also did some medical accupuncture. Monster improvement after the first visit.

I think I'm missing something... What's ART?

OMG, I had the hip flexor done before and it nearly killed me. My torture.... ah, massage therapist does ART and Acupuncture so maybe I'll get him to do this. Thunder, I'll be cursin' ya the whole way through. But if it works.....

Amzippity, ART is Active Release Techniques. Here's a link: http://www.activerelease.com/

Thanks,
Wanda

My gym has really gone downhill, theres not many 'heavy' dumbells anymore, and theres no bench, smith machine...nothing. Just machines... I asked management why they changed everything, they said "We dont want to encourage bodybuilders". lol OK

So now on leg days, I can do Leg Press, extensions and hamstring curls. I really miss squatting though. I can push more weight on Leg Press but I dont get the same feel after doing leg press as I had with squats

Kieran