Turning 78 soon. I’m aware my squat depth is limited. I’ve had a total left hip replacement and suffer from significant peripheral neuropathy in both feet due to spinal stenosis, which really messes with my stability. My motivation is my wife, who uses a wheelchair; I need to stay strong to assist her once her professional caregiver finishes for the day. Incorporating compound movements like squats and deadlifts has made a big difference in my power and balance. I’m open to any suggestions. My current routine is two sets of 10 reps at 130 lbs, followed by a 10-rep set at 150 lbs.
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Your motivation is truly moving. I can’t offer technical advice on your form, but this is the best thing I’ve read today. Staying muscular is about so much more than aesthetics!
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That’s awesome, I really hope to stay that mobile at your age. You’re an inspiration, sir.
Just wanted to mention how fortunate your wife is to have you. You’ve really given me hope for what a committed relationship looks like.
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Great job, keep it going! I also rely on compound movements to maintain strength for my later years, and they’ve helped me rehab an atrophied leg over a decade of work. Regarding your technique, you’re pitching forward on the descent, which engages your back too much and wastes energy. Once your knees stop moving forward, avoid ‘diving’ with your torso. Try to keep your back and shins parallel during the movement. Notice the bar path drifting forward; it should ideally move in a straight vertical line. It might be beneficial to drop the weight slightly to refine this. Don’t stress about the depth, just focus on keeping the load centered over your mid-foot. Also, slowing down the eccentric phase—maybe a three-second count—will help build strength and let you focus on your positioning. If I remember right, the specific depth isn’t the most critical factor for the health benefits of a squat.
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I’m genuinely touched by everyone’s kind words and helpful tips… thank you so much! I apologize if I missed replying to anyone individually, but I’ve gone through every comment and value them. I’ve decided to reduce the load slightly to focus on my technique. I’m hoping for some balance gains, though that’s harder to predict. I’ll try to update you all in a few months with my progress!
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