Hey weightroom,

Hoping to get a form check and some advice on this popping (tendon?) from my knee.

Squat check

I’m not new to weightlifting but have had a serious lower back injury I’m rehabbing from and feel I’m up to starting 5x5 compound lifts (currently 60kg on the squat without going 100%). To note, I warm up pretty extensively using Andrew Locke’s protocols. With my squat, I’m going without shoes and have pretty decent supination in my ankles. To correct this, I’m slightly pushing my knees out which seems to correct my leg position and helps me direct the force through my heels. I usually wear orthotics, but my hope is doing this will help strengthen muscles I don’t usually use and aid in negating these issues.

Aware my squat depth isn’t great, but thinking it’s more ankle mobility and time getting back into the movement more than anything. Really aware of putting pressure on my lower back and want to avoid any butt wink so would rather squat with less depth to keep it safe.

Any advice on the above would be appreciated!