Ski squats

[radosuaf]

Unfortunately, I'm going through serious reactive arthritis... I'm afraid the only way to have some leg excersise is now stiff-legged deadlift or ski squats. What would be the best way to perform ski squats?

[Mark Rippetoe]

On skis?

[radosuaf]

Well, maybe I used an incorrect name. It's the squat with back against the wall.

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/exercise3/skisquat.htm

[Mark Rippetoe]

Why does a diagnosis of serious reactive arthritis (?) mean that you have to train ineffectively?

[radosuaf]

Because my knees hurt so much that without back support I'd fall on my back with the first squat. I have to support myself with hands to get off the toilet. But there is no physical damage to the joint. So I guess this wouldn't be the worst idea...

[Mark Rippetoe]

What wouldn't be the worst idea? Squatting in a way that places all the stress on your knees and none on your hips? Or learning to balance without a wall?

[radosuaf]

OK, Smith machine then? There is no way I could make a normal barbell squat.

OK, this was stupid. How about the box squat?

[Mark Rippetoe]

You're killing me here.

[Andy Baker (KSC)]

Isn't it ironic that the guy who can't/won't squat has a picture of a guy squatting next to his name.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Damned if you're not right about that. I hadn't noticed. I guess we ban him for that. Seems just, no?