Why does Jillian Michaels hate knees so much???

I find that many exercises tax my knees too much. I don't have tendinitis, but I have incurred several "impact" injuries over the years (since I was pre-teen, actually) and my knees are definitely worse for the wear. I just accept this and do only those exercises that my knees can tolerate. For example, squats and lunges are OUT.

The only other thought I have is to do resistance exercises to strengthen the knees and the musculature that supports the joint. That will give it more stability. If you have knee problems, however, consult with a qualified trainer or physical therapist to avoid further injury.

try her Ripped in 30 it's easier on the knees... I have bad knees too and found Ripped in 30 better!!! Good luck!

I was actually wondering this today. Glad you posted this, now I know not to try it or at least till I strengthen my knee up. I was just diagnosed with patella fibromyalgia a couple months ago so my knee dislocates and cartilage is degenerating.

I have horrible knees too. I basically have to modify every exercise that involves knees. Want some unsolicited advice? Go get physical therapy! Insurance often covers it and it helps A LOT. You might need a referral from your doctor, but it's well worth the effort. I went to about six sessions and kept up the rehab exercises at home and I'd say my knee pain is reduced by about 90 percent. I used to hurt just walking, but now I can do most of what P90X and Power90 ask for. It's worth a try... All you have to lose is knee pain!

More unsolicited advice....I'll second that going to physical therapy, but go to a sports physical therapist. I have had really bad knees just like you, but 6 sessions of physical therapy taught me the right way to train and the right muscle groups to engage so that I can do the higher impact stuff (squats, lunges, sprinting, plyometrics). Also, STRETCH! I don't think Jillian caters enough to people with bad knees. Warm up a lot longer, and then do lots of quad and hamstring stretching. It is so important. Oh, and when you are done ice away. I still go to the gym and do my knee specific exercises about 2x a month, but that's only when I feel I need it.

It's because she doesn't practice what she preaches. She talks about proper form for squats, but doesn't do it. So, if you do what she is doing then you will hurt your knees. That's the difference between having a marketing machine behind you and actually having a degree in exercise science. You can do some you tube searches to see proper form but some of them are just as bad or worse. The safest way to do any squats or lunges is to make sure the knees (or front knee in lunges) stays over the ankle and never goes out over the toes. Also if you are doing plie or sumo squats, make sure your knees and toes are facing in the same direction. You can also strengthen your knees with 30% leg extensions. That's where you are seated and straighten the leg but only bend it back down to about 30% bent instead of going all the way to 90 degrees like most let extensions before going back up to straight. It's a tough one for weak knees so start with no weight and build up to using weight.

OMG - I'm laughing because I have asked myself the same exact question. My knees aren't so great either, and it seems like all of her videos are really hard on them. She must dream about squats every night.

Tonya, thanks for the tips!

A correct squat (of any kind) should actually be beneficial for the knees. It's possible that either A) the form is the problem and/or suddenly starting a program with many reps when the body isn't used to it and can't adapt fast enough.

I have bad knees too. I just do something else like walk around the room instead of jumping jacks and got into the lunge position but didn't go into a lunge. I also find that modified push ups hurt my knees worse because I was putting weight on my knees. So I would suggest just doing as many regular push ups as you can during the push ups part and work up to being able to do the full amount. You may not see as great of results when you have to modify but keeping yourself injury free is much more important.

I have bad knees too (bad joints all over in fact!), but I find the 30DS fine as long as I really concentrate on my knees, i.e. knees don't go over toes. But I did kickboxing with a trainer for 4.5 years, and she got me into good habits with the knees because I had bad posture. I think physical therapy would be great too, or try to get some 1 on 1 time with a fully qualified trainer.