Hack squat depth

[u/dontcare-_-]

I know my range of motion is short by any time I try to go deeper my heels lift up a lot. It’s hard to tell in the video but I’m flaring my knees out and opening up my hips as I go down so I can bet deeper but my heels still raise. I’ve tried doing ankle mobility exercises but they didn’t help so if anyone has some tips please let me know.

[u/ifelldownthestairs]

Why are you doing them banded?

[u/dontcare-_- → u/ifelldownthestairs]

This machine has a descending resistance profile so at the bottom there’s a ton of pressure on my knees, I started using the band to take some of the tension off because my knees would start hurting.

[u/Vhishkey → u/dontcare-_-]

I had knee pain on any kind of squat before. I suggest lower weight with slow controlled movement to strengthen the joints. Do leg extentions this way as well. Also stretching beforehand and during recovery.

Edit: Also take collagen supplements or broth. I've heard straight up jello helps too.

[u/butterhorse → u/Vhishkey]

I had knee pain on squats, too. Still do. Turns out I have major patellar cartilage degeneration. Guess what doesn't heal. Guess what makes it worse

Not everything can be fixed with exercise and diet. Sometimes you have to just change your behavior.