Quad strengthening??

Jessiedawn3
Jessiedawn3 Posts: 38 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
My doctor has told me I need to focus on strengthening my quad muscles. I have difficulty bending my knees due to joint issues. What are some good strengthening exercises without a lot of pressure on the joint?

Replies

  • iamthemotherofdogs
    iamthemotherofdogs Posts: 562 Member
    Biking is pretty great for your quads.
  • not_a_runner
    not_a_runner Posts: 1,343 Member
    Duck_Puddle wrote: »
    I would suggest going to a physical therapist who can assess your condition, your specific injury/issue and advise the best approach.

    Second this.
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Off topic - are you related to Vince? ;)
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    If your general doctor gave you that advice, keep in mind that may be generic advice that might not apply to you. In that case see a specialist like an orthopedist for a deeper assessment (which may include scans).

    As said, cycling/exercise bike works the quads. Check Youtube for proper seat adjustment to avoid knee pain.
    Wall sits are good too. Youtube has instructions. You can straighten your knees a little more than they show if necessary.

    Sitting weakens the quads so if you sit a lot, periodically straighten your knees fully and "squeeze" to contract the quads. :+1:

  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    jessiepapale wrote: »
    My doctor has told me I need to focus on strengthening my quad muscles. I have difficulty bending my knees due to joint issues. What are some good strengthening exercises without a lot of pressure on the joint?

    Since you have joint issues, it's probably best to ask a doctor or orthopedic specialist. Quad exercises include leg press, extensions (dual and single) and even squats, but again, it's important to be cleared by a doctor first.
  • Jessiedawn3
    Jessiedawn3 Posts: 38 Member
    Thanks for your responses. It was with a specialist. She said since my insurance does not cover physical therapy that I could just google strengthening excerises and do what I can tolerate as I build those muscles up. The only limitation is the pain, so there isn't really anything that needs to be cleared by them going forward. I wasn't sure if someone could recommend if some were better than others, as google has many.


    quiksylver296 wrote: »
    Off topic - are you related to Vince? ;)

    Not that I am aware of... I do get asked this often. LOL
  • not_a_runner
    not_a_runner Posts: 1,343 Member
    jessiepapale wrote: »
    Thanks for your responses. It was with a specialist. She said since my insurance does not cover physical therapy that I could just google strengthening excerises and do what I can tolerate as I build those muscles up. The only limitation is the pain, so there isn't really anything that needs to be cleared by them going forward. I wasn't sure if someone could recommend if some were better than others, as google has many.


    quiksylver296 wrote: »
    Off topic - are you related to Vince? ;)

    Not that I am aware of... I do get asked this often. LOL

    Your doctor -a specialist- said "just google it" and you were satisfied with that response??
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 36,780 Member
    Physical therapy would be the best guidance, and what you can do will vary based on what's actually causing your knee pain.

    For me, consistent rowing (on water and machine) has been good for increasing quad strength without impact or torque on the joint, and my torn meniscus/arthritis tolerates it well enough. Cycling is also good - either stationary or regular cycling - but for me, rowing is a bit more strength-oriented.
  • Cahgetsfit
    Cahgetsfit Posts: 1,912 Member
    physical therapist.
  • SonyaCele
    SonyaCele Posts: 2,841 Member
    You should look into a full body strength program. Strengthening your quads in addition to your hams, glutes, core, etc will benefit you so much more than just focusing on your quads. some popular programs are strong curves, new rules of lifting for women , or even stronglifts depending on how much your knees can take. Try out the TRX, it can be modified to be very gentle on your knees and give you a great work out.
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