How many squats should I do?

[jackzon]

I'm getting into this fitness thing lately and I'm wondering what's a good number of squats to do? I'm thinking that a good formula might be to do about the same number as the number of situps I do. So for me if I do 60 situps a day, that prevents me from getting weaker, and maybe helps a little. If I do 180 a day I'm pretty close to my maximum, both psychologically and in terms of diminishing returns.

I'm thinking that I should aim for the same number of squats daily.

[Rickson]

I'm getting into this fitness thing lately and I'm wondering what's a good number of squats to do? I'm thinking that a good formula might be to do about the same number as the number of situps I do. So for me if I do 60 situps a day, that prevents me from getting weaker, and maybe helps a little. If I do 180 a day I'm pretty close to my maximum, both psychologically and in terms of diminishing returns.

I'm thinking that I should aim for the same number of squats daily.
OK, but when your quadriceps are sore for a week, you have only yourself to blame.

[erik-the-red]

You should do at most twenty-four squats every other day.

I say twenty-four because it is twelve repetitions times two sets.

[jackzon]

You should do at most twenty-four squats every other day.

I say twenty-four because it is twelve repetitions times two sets.


Now i'm confused. How many squats are in a set? This is getting more complicated than I thought it would.

[Marius_Hancu]

what weight are you using? just your own?

[Mikael]

The guys at www.crossfit.com sometimes do more than 150 in a given day... We're talking about airsquats here, right... (no weight).

[erik-the-red]

With a realistic weight, you should do between 8-12 repetitions for 2 sets.

[joe sch]

Your body should be able to best answer you own question ! Why do others want to be told what to do ? Do them till your muscles start to fatique and then do atleast another set after it recovers. Our bodies and minds are the best at giving feedback, listen to your own signals and dont be fooled by fake pain, ie your mind wanting to stop. How do you like these answers ?

[forehander]

There are some complexities to this issue. And people just starting out need to be told so that they avoid injury and make maximum gains. Abs can be worked every day, but if you are talking about using resistance for your squats, you don't want to do them every day. Your muscles will need a days rest in between. Otherwise, they'll weaken and you'll end up straining them. If you are talking about squats with no weights, then yes, that can be done daily for as many reps as you can stand. Although you still might want to vary your workout routine a bit for maximum benifit.

[joe sch]

There are some complexities to this issue. And people just starting out need to be told so that they avoid injury and make maximum gains. Abs can be worked every day, but if you are talking about using resistance for your squats, you don't want to do them every day. Your muscles will need a days rest in between. Otherwise, they'll weaken and you'll end up straining them. If you are talking about squats with no weights, then yes, that can be done daily for as many reps as you can stand. Although you still might want to vary your workout routine a bit for maximum benifit.
Very good point and true !
When using weights, especially heavy free weights, you should have a spotter, a back supporter (like heavy leather waist type belt) and use correct form, if not sure, get certified fitness person to instruct.

[FREDDY]

500 squats or 15 minutes hold break then another 15 minutes

[PhilsterT]

Wow...I do 3x8 once a week. Why would you only do squats? Work all of your leg. Here's my routine:

Quads:
Squats 3x8
Lunges (DB) 3x8

Hammies:
Good mornings 3x8
Hamstring curl 3x8

Calves:
3x8

You could toss in another calf excercise if you felt daring, but that's a plently good workout. There's no need to do 500+ squats, or 500+ sit ups for that matter. Keep everything in the muscle hypertrophy range (8-12 reps) for optimal gains.

[jackzon]

Why do others want to be told what to do ?


Uhm....I thought that was the purpose of this whole message board thing. One guy doesn't know something and asks. Some other guy knows something and responds.

To answer the earlier question, I was thinking of squats with just my body weight.

Thanks to all for the suggestions - very helpful stuff, as always.

[goober]

Check out some of these squats.

http://www.weighttrainersunited.com/getinshape.html

[Ronaldo]

When rehabbing a sore knee due to chondromalacia (runners knee), with a theraball as support for my back, I did 10x10 wall squats or 100 as a warm-up before using weights. Also at least 100 step-ups on an 8-14" step, 30 lunges forward and to both sides. It worked but what a lot of work, stretching, and icing. Seen women perform one-legged wall squats while holding dumbbells.

[FREDDY]

if you can walk straight after doing them then you arent doing enough