Workout routine? Can't do squats!

[HUNG4RY4N]

Hi all,
My buddy is looking to get in to bodybuilding, but he shattered his left leg three years ago playing football. Everything from the knee down turned to pulp, and he has something along the lines of 25 rivets holding his leg together.

He is naturally athletic, and has a very good body build for this sport. I would put him on a bill starr 5x5 workout to get his strength up, give him a solid base, and knowledge of the basic compound exercises, but he is physically not capable of squatting below or even to 90 degrees.

What type of workout split would you suggest I have him do? All original 5x5 programs have you squatting 3 times a week, so those are out of the question or should he just squat as deep as he can and leave it at that?

 

[HeavyIron_&_Hot_Chicks]

What leg exercises is he able to do? if he physicly cant squat he needs to find alternatives that will still result in hypertrophy

 

[HUNG4RY4N]

The problem is there is a screw through his ankle, which means his ankle can not go through the same ROM as yours our mine. Think of how your ankle bends at the bottom of a squat, his can not bend enough to get to or bellow parallel. I think this would mean all compound leg movements would be hard for him.

 

[HeavyIron_&_Hot_Chicks]

It looks like he isn't going to be able to do much

 

[phluxx]

Leg extensions

 

[DLC68]

That definitely is going to be a problem. Has he seen a sports doctor that he can discuss things with? This would be a good start as they always suggest checking with a doctor prior to any exercising and what better then a sports doctor.

As suggested, Leg Extensions is a possibility. Not the greatest thing and have heard so much negative stuff about it but done right they can work. I would also suggest adding in Calve Curls to supplement this. Is he able to do any Lunges or will that put too much stress on his ankle? Will Leg Presses creating problems as well?

While Squats are the ultimate exercise; one I personally hate to do, I would hate for your buddy to do these and have problems. Even if decides to do these and only plans on going so far, being tired or the weight may make him go further then he wants and then that could be problems. And because he has to push off to get this done and the added stress his legs will have to take upon themselves, he won't have the option of something like a Leg Press machine where you can "save" yourself.

In his case he should plan for the worst and work around it. Better safe then sorry.