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4 Reasons Why Every Senior Should Squat & How to Do It (PLUS Bad Squat Advice & Myths to Ignore)

Testify Strength & Conditioning

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Starting Strength Coach Phil Meggers covers 4 reasons older adults should be squatting as well as how to correctly do it. He also addresses 8 pieces of bad squat advice and myths to flat out ignore.

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20 Comments

@johnpymn9869 1 year ago

Found Starting Strength when I was 58 and it changed my life,, been squatting , Deadlifting , and Pressing ever since. Transitioned to Wendlers 5-3-1 and continue to make gains , turned 65 in 2024 and I am stronger NOW than at any point in my life.

@BBVance 8 months ago

I will say, as someone with a really weak posterior chain starting out, spending time every day sitting deep in the squat position helped me so much.

@juanbbien 7 months ago

I’m 77years old and I have been Squatting for over fifty years I’m the only senior in the Gym doing it, I do six increasing sets up to 300 plus Ibs for eight reps.

@MrDjhealth 1 year ago

for many years i have done vertical safety bar squats thinking it was safer for my back. Its unreal how much harder real squats are now that i am following your real squat advice.

@GoldenYearsMuscle 1 year ago (edited)

I got back into strength training 3 years ago. Started squats on my 65th birthday (3 months ago) and I’m making good gains due to watching this channel. Thank you Phil! You’re becoming a “fitness folk hero” to me!👍
Edit: I was just using machines for legs up to that point (afraid of squatting- might get injured). I started with just the bar. Now I’m up to 6 reps with 165 lbs, comfortably.👍

@41sja 4 months ago

Love the channel & tutorials. No bs , straight up, honest advice is what I like and brings me back

@robertsmentkowski312 1 year ago

You are so right about squats. I’ve been doing them for about 2 1/2 years and getting up from a chair is effortless. More importantly, I solo hunt in the high mountains for days at a time carrying about 40 pounds. I still ski black diamond runs. It’s because of excellent trainers like you that seniors like me don’t get senior discounts at 65 – free skiing doesn’t start till about 80 at most big resorts.

@johndoiron9615 8 months ago

I started squatting (and deadlifting) 15 years ago at age 45. I am in the best shape of my life now, and it feels amazing.

@cubsfan988 1 year ago

Phil - the progression that you work through in this video is extremely useful. Thank you.

@oldbird299 8 months ago (edited)

This is great exercise information for better aging...with some good humor. You explain it all well. I like it. Thank you.

@grassman8684 1 year ago

Good information. These are the types of videos us older people need to keep motivated. Keep them coming. Maybe do some sucess stories.

@johnpymn9869 1 year ago

BEST vidoe i've seen to convince someone to squat !!!! How do I warm up for squatting ,,,,,, I SQUAT lol.

@samuele.marcora 1 year ago

Getting up from the floor is a very important function to train

@XXXLMUSCLE 1 year ago

Phil, thanks from Canada for the great video. I just shared it on my FB

@BBVance 8 months ago

Your dog is trying to tell you at 6:20 "your form's all wrong! What are you doing?!" He sure looks like a good boy!

@gilbertayala96706 1 year ago

Mahalo for the advice on Deadlift……aloha

@joannecarson5568 8 months ago

Thanks! I have been working out using dumbbells for several years now. I don’t have room for a bar or rack, but I will start with your technique and get up to a minimum level anyway using a kettlebell.
I heard we will be getting a new gym locally soon, so I am waiting impatiently for it to happen.

@Harry_16710 1 year ago

I find myself eager for squat days now, Phil...still unsure whether I should be grateful for that.🤣

Excellent coaching!🙏💪

@wheelingsdeborahwilson8142 2 months ago

What if I feel my right glute working but I feel nothing in my left glute? Should this concern me since my right hip is higher than my left and I have chronic lumbar pain?

@zoarquail5102 9 months ago

Using a bar or pvc to help groove a neutral spine pattern in people who have pronounced t spine or lumbar flexion patterns in their squat is a safe time tested way to train solid fundamental recruitment.
Id run away from someone who axially loads people with the spinal mechanics exhibited here when playing with the dogs