knee injury and lunges

celtickarasu

I've been doing squats, lunges (front and side), and dead lifts to work out my butt. I have been trying to do 3 sets of 10 each. I have a bad right knee that I have injured multiple times over the years - meniscus issues running track, dislocation from getting bucked off a horse, ect. I am able to do the squats and dead lifts, but I'm having problems with the lunges. I can do 1 set of 10 on each leg of the side lunges, but can't even get through 1 set of front lunges at all. Is there any reason that lunges are necessary for the health and toning of my butt? Can I leave them out? Please?

Meg28

I feel your pain on this one. I think there are a couple of options. I don't find it necessary to stress the knee to get the same muscles a workout. Try doing a leg press (seated or on your back) to work the major leg muscles. This takes a lot of strain off the knee and is more stable. Another option is to do the lunge and instead of doing it fast, hold the lunge like a yoga pose. This will take off some pressure, but make sure your knee is aligned with your toes and not in front of to the side.