Is lifting the only way?

anonymous1210

I would really like to tone my body ( particularly legs, buttocks and stomach).
For the stomach, I am doing a good sit up workout but for the legs its a bit of an issue as I have really week knees and it really hurts whenever I squat, do lunges etc
Is there anything else I can do to tone my.body? Such as walking on a treadmill at an incline , use my mini stepper at its highest resistance etc?
Thanks!

Machka9

Climb stairs
Hike up hills and mountains
Go cycling
Take brisk walks on snow or sand
Take a pilates class

ElizabethKalmbach

You can also build up the strength in your knees, specifically, by doing some PT before undertaking a full body strength training regimen. Possibly talk to your doctor about getting into some PT for your knees, so that the activities you undertake are not limited by one body part.

I *like* lifting weights, so I do my PT so that I *can.* If you don't actually enjoy lifting weights, as the previous poster suggested, there are a lot of other options that can help you move toward your goals.

MarcyMavin

I have noticed a major difference in my legs after rowing on a machine. Adding weights to my regimen now.

heymaw55

If you have a indoor swimming pool like the YMCA or any other affiliate try water aerobics. I have been doing it for 2 years and I have noticed a big change in my jeans fitting looser; in the waist, buttocks, and legs. Hope this helps.

kshama2001

I have knee issues too and regularly do these knee strengthening exercises that I got from a physical therapist. I also worked with a trainer at my gym to get a lower body workout with cables that would not aggravate them.



For my booty, I bought "glute guy" Bret Contreras's Strong Curves: A Woman's Guide to Building a Better Butt and Body but for reasons that may not apply to you, I ended up not using it other than incorporating the six Testing Exercises that are available in the free sample that Amazon will send. (Side lying hip abduction, double-leg glute bridge, side lying clam, quadruped bent leg hip extension, bird dog, single leg glute bridge.)

Between my foam roller, gentle yoga warmups, my knee PT, hip PT exercises, and those glute exercises, I now have a 43 minute routine that is perfect for doing during an hour network TV show that is now on Amazon or Prime with no commercials.

I also do more vigorous yoga that includes the Sun and Moon series, hike, walk, lift weights, and, in season, garden and swim.

HoneyBadger302

Agree with the poster above who mentioned PT for your knees - I have bad knees (torn meniscus in both), but PT keeps them working so well I'd hardly know it. I've just kept up on it on my own for years, and it works great. Involves a lot of balance work and training, so I incorporate those into my workouts - has other payoffs as well, but keeps my knees from being a problem.

DancingMoosie

Have you tried piyo? It's low impact and works the whole body in a yoga-style and really targets the legs.

frankiesgirlie

I second Piyo. I had started a strength training program and started getting pains in my knees. I switched over to Piyo thinking I’d just take a little break from the strength training and I’m surprisingly hooked on it. It’s challenging fitness wise, without beating up your joints,