How to add Squats to your kettlebell workouts if you have “Issues”?

1- Take These Core Stability Tests:
https://salutis.kartra.com/page/DgM583
2- Rebuild Your Core Strength – Systematic Core Stability and Core Strength Work https://salutis.kartra.com/page/systematic-core-training
3- How To Perform, Troubleshoot, and Master the Goblet Squat (Goblet Squat programming included) https://salutis.kartra.com/page/BIG-6-w-bonus
4- How To Perform, Troubleshoot, and Master the Double Front Squat (Can program the Double Front Squat using the main program provided) https://salutis.kartra.com/page/strong-ts.
How to add Squats to your kettlebell workouts if you have “Issues”?
… Lower back issues?
Or hip issues?
Or knee issues?
I’ve had all 3 at one point or another over the last 35 years so I empathize if you fall into this category.
I’ve also overcome each of them. (Thankfully!)
So, when “Z” emailed me and asked the following, I thought my response would be helpful to you too.
“Hello Geoff,
Thanks again for all your great work. I'm currently following the Giant and really enjoying doing clean and presses. However, I feel that I may soon to do some Squats to put in some work on my front legs.
My question - is there a technique or way where I can do double kettlebell front Squats without triggering sciatic nerve pain (the one that crawls in one leg) or should I avoid this type of movement forever? What are my alternatives if ever I want to work my front legs without triggering my condition? Or how do I relieve my condition? Thank you
Regards,
“Z”
Now, some people are ok with “living with” this sort of thing.
They feel like their best years are behind them and so, they’re willing just to fade away.
If that’s you, the rest of this email won’t be relevant so hit the “eject button” now.
But if you’re like me and many of us, and you want to “go down swinging,” then here’s what I told Z -
“Great questions.
Here are some ideas for you to help you relieve your condition, which is always my first course of action:

1. Get cleared by your doc / healthcare provider.
2. Do specialized core stabilization and strength training (they're different and distinct) if you haven't already to correct the underlying mechanism.
3. Re-pattern your Squat - start by using the Goblet Squat. Use sets of 3 to 5 while maintaining your technique.
4. Rebuild your Squat - Work up to 10 sets of 10 (10x10) with the Goblet Squat - first the 24kg, then work to the 32kg.
5. Re-pattern & Rebuild your Single KB Front Squat - Work up to 10 sets of 5 each side with a 24kg, then a 32kg.
6. Re-pattern your Double Front Squat - start by learning the proper technique.
7. Rebuild your Double Front Squat - work up to 10 sets of 5 with a pair of 16s... then 20s... then 24s...
   Here are some alternatives to the Front Squat in the meantime:
8. Hack Squats
9. Lunges
10. Bulgarian Split Squats
11. Pistols (if tolerated)
12. Step Ups
    Hope this helps.”
    Now some may take a look at that and go,
    “Wow - ALL that? That’s a lot!”
    And you know what, that person would be right.
    But the way I look at it is, if you plan on being here for the next 1 to 10 years, why not embrace that “challenge” and claw back as much as the Grim Reaper has tried to take from you?
    (From my experience, he starts visiting EARLY, whispering things like, “You’re too old for that…” and other such nonsense right around age 40. Once you crest 50 he really starts turning up the pressure…)
    Me?
    I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.
    I’m going the distance - 120 years.
    So, I’m taking care of this chassis, it’s plumbing and electrical, to the best of my ability.
    Especially with a 14 year old boy looking to test himself near-daily on his dad and an almost 12-year old daughter who will surely attract boys like a light attracts moths.
    So, use that outline to safely start and routinely squat again.
    Stay Strong,
    Geoff Neupert.