Exercises for someone with bad knees

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jenniferagates
jenniferagates Posts: 10
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey all, I have really bad knees, but I want to be able to work my lower body. Does anyone have any exercises that are feasible?

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  • cantfail
    cantfail Posts: 169 Member
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    Look into DDP Yoga. It is a modified form of yoga that incorporates isometrics into the moves. It was developed by a former professional wrestler ( I know, I almost ignored it because of that ), who blew out his back. There is virtually no impact and he is really good at encouraging modifications to fit whatever limitations you might have. The program is on DVD and most of the workouts are 30 minutes or less. It used to be called "Yoga for Regular Guys" so your husband might like it too. "It's Not Your Mama's Yoga" is a tag line for DDP.

    Check out this youtube video. It went viral a year or two ago. http://youtu.be/qX9FSZJu448

    I originally looked into it for a client of mine who has serious flexibility issues (I'm a fitness professional) and I try everything I recommend first. I love it.
  • vorgas
    vorgas Posts: 741 Member
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    I destroyed my knees when I was younger skateboarding. Part of one of my bones is chipped off and it will slide out of socket regularly.

    For me it was low back squats to parallel and pistol squats on a bench that really helped.

    I used to dislodge my knee if I stepped off a curb wrong. Hasn't happened in over a year now.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,220 Member
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    I tore my MCL (plus a variety of other lower body injuries). Peterson step ups are great for strengthening the support system for the knee and are a killer quad workout.

    http://youtu.be/UUYBhnN6IJA
  • LadyGhostDuchess
    LadyGhostDuchess Posts: 894 Member
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    I have very severely arthritic knees.
    My physical therapist at the time suggested that doing the stationary bike and then doing...an exercise that looks like a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. The dog exercise really helps to build muscle and though it looks ridicules doing it, it did help. The bike is nice because you can go at your own speed.

    I still do the bike and the elliptical. Some days are harder than others though. I hope this helps
  • Bergley24
    Bergley24 Posts: 1 Member
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    I have bad knees too (for 45+ years - due to wear and tear from cerebral palsy and osteoarthritis. I walk with crutches and use a wheelchair.) From my experience, swimming is probably your best option. Walking is good too, but you have to be careful of surface and duration (not an expert on that). Also, I am lucky enough to belong to a gym that has a SciFit Total body recumbent stepper. This has been great for me and does not hurt my knees (and I try and use it for an hour at a time!). I find it to be a great lower body workout. Good luck!
  • EllaIsNotEnchanted
    EllaIsNotEnchanted Posts: 226 Member
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    I have very severely arthritic knees.
    My physical therapist at the time suggested that doing the stationary bike and then doing...an exercise that looks like a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. The dog exercise really helps to build muscle and though it looks ridicules doing it, it did help. The bike is nice because you can go at your own speed.

    I still do the bike and the elliptical. Some days are harder than others though. I hope this helps

    That's a pilates movement. To make it harder you can go into plank and do the same movement and also kick out once "peeing on the hydrant".


    I'm just going to say swimming. Swimming works on everything and any movements you can do on land you can do in the pool.
  • jenniferagates
    jenniferagates Posts: 10
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    Thanks for the tip. I have tried Yoga in the past, that simply didn't work with my ROM, so I'll give this one a shot!
  • jenniferagates
    jenniferagates Posts: 10
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    Lol! I've never tried the "dog peeing" step before! Sounds like it would be great for the hips!
  • jenniferagates
    jenniferagates Posts: 10
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    I walk several miles each day, and you are right, the type of surface makes a huge difference! Most of the time is on a treadmill, but I try to find paved paths as well.
  • rebprest
    rebprest Posts: 149 Member
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    I have trick knees and have no trouble with the elliptical, biking, or swimming (avoid breaststroke)
  • SingingSingleTracker
    SingingSingleTracker Posts: 1,866 Member
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    Hey all, I have really bad knees, but I want to be able to work my lower body. Does anyone have any exercises that are feasible?

    When you say "bad knees", what exactly is it that is wrong with them? Have you had MRI's done on the knees and a course of action suggested by anyone in the medical specialist area (knee Doctor or Orthopedic Specialist)?

    I have had both of my knees operated on (first one I was your age, and the other was when I was 42) and do a lot of exercises to keep them strong and healthy. In fact, they are in the best shape they have been in years due to my regimen.

    Anyway, without knowing what it is specifically that is wrong with your knees and what the medical specialists have diagnosed - it's kind of hard to toss out recommendations to you that may or may not be of help.
  • jenniferagates
    jenniferagates Posts: 10
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    I've been having surgeries on my knees and feet since I was a couple of months old. I have already had to have a knee replacement. I am constantly trying to find that balance between helping my body and hurting my body!

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