Q: Matt, I have your Combat Conditioning book and videos, and I’m wondering how many repetitions I should do to start out. I’m 67 years old and in fairly good shape. I did a hundred the first day in sets of 20 and my legs were so sore I could barely get out of bed. Did I overdo it? How many do you recommend a guy such as myself start out with?

A: You definitely didn’t under do it, young timer. When you first begin doing Hindu squats, begin with one set to get an idea of how many you can do before your thighs fill with lactic acid. For someone who is not used to them, the ole legs can even turn into blimps before the lactic acid buildup. Some people begin with one set of five or ten reps. You do five sets of 20. Not necessarily extreme – but because you’re not used to this type of squatting, it took a toll and there was a price for playing. Soreness. I would give yourself a couple days off, then do one set for a week or two. Then you can go for two or three sets. Make haste slowly. The more you rush the process the more unnecessary pain you will experience. Go slowly at first and you’ll be amazed at the increase in strength-endurance you have after a few weeks.

Matt Furey