How to Strengthen Knees?

scorpiorlr
scorpiorlr Posts: 245 Member
edited December 17 in Fitness and Exercise
I think I have deduced this is my ultimate problem. I need to strengthen or condition my knees. These are what ache and cause discouragement. I would like to run for now I just do the elliptical striders at an embarrassingly slow pace. It seems the ache and general weakness of my knees is what causes me to give up or just plain wuss out. So I figure I should maybe key in on some exercises that help that area. I used to run in my 20's at least 25 to 30 miles a week. Then I had a torn meniscus and surgery and never really ran again. My knees are week and ache after the simplest of exercises. Aside form waling and keeping at it does any one have tips or tricks to help me with this?

Replies

  • DaveRCF
    DaveRCF Posts: 266
    Believe it or not, deep squats with free weights (barbells) will strengthen your knees. I know it sounds counterintuitive but do some research and you will find this is recommended by strength conditioning coaches.
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    I have patellofemoral arthritis from a bad car accident. Knee would ache CONSTANTLY.

    It hasn't hurt at all since I started doing progressive lifting and squatting (WITH PROPER FORM - improper form is excruciating.)
  • Jen16226
    Jen16226 Posts: 20 Member
    This is me!

    I have bad knees and have had a couple of surgeries(condroscopy and ACL repair) as well as constant PT....and arthritis.

    What is helping me is squats using the smith machine and leg extensions using a resistance band.
    I have been doing c25k for the past 3 weeks and while they do still ache, it is not as bad as it has been in the past. When they are bothering me alot, I take Napoxen that is scripted to me.
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