Hey guys,

 

So today I was doing a usual leg day, however it's important to note that I had an extremely tough leg day about 5 or 6 days ago. All of the soreness had gone away, but my legs were still a tiny bit stiff. I figured warming up would get them more flexible and prepared for the workout.

 

I started with my usual back squats and didn't feel any discomfort-- totally normal. I was using full range of motion and utilizing progressive overload-- ramping up the weight with every set.

 

But then...

 

When I increased the weight to my maximum for the day I was struggling to get the last set of the 5x5 I was doing. Still, I wanted to train hard (as I always do) so I got a spotter, although I was NOT yet at the point of doing forced repititions. During my last squat I noticed a sort of pop, for lack of a better word, in both my quads at the same time. At first it felt alright, but then I felt some discomfort coming on in both quads. Both quads slowly tightened up on me. I did various quad stretches to relax them (during the stretches I felt no pain) but as soon as I tried to walk up stairs there was throbbing in each quad when I put weight over the respective legs.

 

I was able to bike home, but it was pretty uncomfortable.

 

Did they tighten up on me, or do you guys think it was a strain??? If it is a strain I believe it would be a grade 1, maaaybe a grade 2.

 

In either case, any advice for a quick recovery? Also, any preventative measures I should take next time I squat? I like to go very hard on my squats, but I really don't want it to become a recurring thing...

 

Thanks!

 

Pierre

Hey guys,

 

So today I was doing a usual leg day, however it's important to note that I had an extremely tough leg day about 5 or 6 days ago. All of the soreness had gone away, but my legs were still a tiny bit stiff. I figured warming up would get them more flexible and prepared for the workout.

 

I started with my usual back squats and didn't feel any discomfort-- totally normal. I was using full range of motion and utilizing progressive overload-- ramping up the weight with every set.

 

But then...

 

When I increased the weight to my maximum for the day I was struggling to get the last set of the 5x5 I was doing. Still, I wanted to train hard (as I always do) so I got a spotter, although I was NOT yet at the point of doing forced repititions. During my last squat I noticed a sort of pop, for lack of a better word, in both my quads at the same time. At first it felt alright, but then I felt some discomfort coming on in both quads. Both quads slowly tightened up on me. I did various quad stretches to relax them (during the stretches I felt no pain) but as soon as I tried to walk up stairs there was throbbing in each quad when I put weight over the respective legs.

 

I was able to bike home, but it was pretty uncomfortable.

 

Did they tighten up on me, or do you guys think it was a strain??? If it is a strain I believe it would be a grade 1, maaaybe a grade 2.

 

In either case, any advice for a quick recovery? Also, any preventative measures I should take next time I squat? I like to go very hard on my squats, but I really don't want it to become a recurring thing...

 

Thanks!

 

Pierre

Thanks for the replies guys, solid advice! Just to update...

 

I took an ice bath last evening and then iced again before I went to bed and the pain has significantly lessened. They no longer hurt when I walk up stairs, it's just mildly uncomfortable. However, I can feel that anything weight-bearing would cause pain, obviously.

 

As of today, there are no signs of local bleeding/bruising on my leg, but if I start to see light bruising I could upload a picture. I think icing it well immediately after the injury subdued what little bruising may have otherwise occurred.