Using the High-Bar Squat

[Mark Rippetoe]

Using the High-Bar Squat | Mark Rippetoe

[QuinceTree]

Hi Rip,
Unfortunately, from time to time, I do have to use the high bar squat. I've had surgery on both shoulders (sub-acromial arthroscopy on both, slap tear repair in one) and, although they now work fine most of the time, periodically, one or the other has a tendency to partially freeze. This tends to go away in time as long as I keep using my shoulders but, in the meantime, I don't have the flexibility to get in the low bar position. Hence the need for high bar squats.

My problem is that I find squatting high bar can wreck my knees if I squat much above 80% of my low bar weight (low bar squats are fine on the knees). Now, I know we don't 'do' high bar squats, but do you have any view on how best to avoid knee problems if you do have to squat high bar?

[Mark Rippetoe]

There's no magical adjustment -- if you squat with your knees, they will probably hurt. This is one of the reasons we squat with our hips.

[QuinceTree]

Yep - thought as much - thanks Rip - Hopefully back to proper squatting soon