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Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Tue May 12, 2026 10:33 am
by JRsilva09
When I start pushing heavier weight on squats, my knees cave in a little coming out of the hole. Not super crazy but definitely noticeable on video. Some people say a little knee cave is normal when lifting heavy, others act like your knees are about to explode lol.
Trying to figure out what’s actually true here. Is this something worth fixing ASAP or pretty common once the weight gets heavy?

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Tue May 12, 2026 11:05 am
by Austin-SMX
A little knee cave under max effort isn’t the end of the world honestly. A lot of strong lifters have some form breakdown when weights get heavy.

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Tue May 12, 2026 11:30 am
by BrockCG
If it’s mild and not causing pain, probably not a huge issue. If your knees are collapsing hard every rep then yeah I’d fix that.

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Wed May 13, 2026 12:59 am
by EdsonGS
Usually happens when glutes/adductors get smoked or the weight is just too heavy for your current form.

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Wed May 13, 2026 3:49 am
by JRsilva09
That’s kinda where I’m at. It’s not super dramatic but I noticed it more once I started pushing heavier sets.

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Wed May 13, 2026 4:37 am
by MorganDsm
People online love acting like every tiny form issue means instant injury lol.

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Wed May 13, 2026 7:23 am
by Jett-Muscle
Try filming from the front angle. Sometimes what feels like horrible knee cave is actually pretty minor on video.

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Wed May 13, 2026 8:21 am
by CAngel23
I cleaned mine up a lot by slowing down the descent and not dive bombing squats.

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Thu May 14, 2026 7:32 am
by RockoGym
Also depends if you’re powerlifting or bodybuilding. Competitive lifters sometimes accept a little breakdown to move bigger weight.

Re: Little Knee Cave on Heavy Squats - Normal or a Problem?

Posted: Thu May 14, 2026 7:45 am
by JRsilva09
Makes sense. I’m mostly training for size and strength, not trying to compete or anything.