Starting Out - Knee Problem

[raphsta]

Hi There,

I've just started out at the gym (about 2 months back) doing a split routine - 2/3 times a week. I've done minimal traning prior (a couple of short stints here and there), so would be classed as a beginner.

I'm 5'7, 72kg and 26 yrs old. I've seen some great feedback about the Rippetoe program, and was about to purchase the book, until:

About 3 weeks ago I attempted squats with a friend of mine. Weight was not too heavy at all (15kgs each side), but about a week later I started getting some pain in my right knee, around the kneecap.. Then my left knee followed, and was even painful to walk downstairs or bend over..
I've been to physio, chiro, etc - physio believes the right knee is a patella tracking problem, while left knee is a pinched meniscus leading to inflammation.
Both knees are getting better, although my right knee seems to crack a lot more know..

ANYWAY - The Rippetoe program focuses heavily on squats, so won't to get some advice:
1) Any recommendations for programs leaving legs out? (and which of your books would be best for this, as I am really interested in reading all your technique related material)
2) or should I just get stuck into the Rippetoe program but use very low weights till I fell my knees are ready to take more?

Appreciate your comments

[Mark Rippetoe]

You should learn to squat correctly before you load the bar to 110 lbs. and fuck things up. This means that the book should have come before the squats, I suppose.

[raphsta]

I agree 100%..
I should've definitely learnt how to squat first. Although I only came across your book, and this forum, after I actually hurt my knees!

I might stick to squatting without weights (even without bar) and slowly build up.. Any other suggestions for easing into it, would be greatly appreciated.

I just jumped onto Amazon and purchased your "Starting Strength", so got a couple of weeks till it gets here (I'm in Sydney)..

[Polynomial]

1) Any recommendations for programs leaving legs out? (and which of your books would be best for this, as I am really interested in reading all your technique related material)

I've heard that this fits the criteria nicely. A lot of people have success with the Texas Method with this setup.

[Tiburon]

I used to get similar knee pain every time I squatted, even when the weight was very very low.

Now, after I read the book and worked on my form, I am squatting 245 lbs (and still increasing) WITHOUT ANY KNEE PAIN AT ALL.

In retrospect, I think the key was getting rid of my knee "wobble"
http://strengthmill.net/forum/showth...ghlight=wobble

[Mark Rippetoe]

OMFG. The Hawaii Chair. Priceless stupidity. Unparalleled silliness.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

That absolutely made my week...I almost pissed myself when I saw that