Squats

[gmurtie]

I am getting more into weight lifting.  I had a spinal fusion about 25 years ago that worked really well.  I have stayed away from squats because I was afraid of injury.  I am reading that proper form makes squatting pretty safe. I am not flexible in the hips at this time and am having difficulty breaking parallel when I squat.  My questions are, Is there anything I can do to increase flexibility, should this improve with practice or should I stay away from it?  I forgot to mention I am 58 years old.

[Maxit · Accepted solution]

Because the price you will pay for "squats are a bad idea" is so steep, I think working with a professional to determine this is a good idea.  There are hip flexibility exercises out there, but because of the spinal fusion I myself would not take a recommendation from a person who could not actually evaluate.

[Heybales]

Yep, get to a physical therapist.

Even a trainer would not likely be correct, unless they were certified in PT also, which some are.

[gmurtie]

Thanks for the advice.  I'm going to follow it.