Avoiding certain exercises can help protect your knees from excessive strain.
As we age, our knees endure natural wear and tear. Doug Bertram, an expert in orthopaedic wellness, highlights exercises that may harm knees after 60 and offers alternatives.
Bertram notes that no exercise is inherently harmful, but some may worsen knee pain if they exceed a person’s current abilities. After 60, the focus should shift to building resilience, rather than just enduring stress. Effective exercise plans should improve overall movement, reducing knee stress and promoting long-term activity and comfort.
Using a knee extension machine can strain the knee. Instead, try the sit-to-stand exercise from a chair. This movement strengthens muscles important for daily function without causing unnecessary stress.
Running on hard surfaces like pavements can also be problematic. Brisk uphill walking or using an incline treadmill can offer cardiovascular benefits with less impact on joints.
Deep squats may negatively impact knees due to limited mobility in other areas. Box squats, however, encourage proper form and safe movement within one’s current range.
Walking lunges might stress the knees unnecessarily. Step-ups can provide similar strength benefits while allowing better knee control.
Finally, exercises like box jumps present challenges for aging joints due to their high impact. Controlled drills with power and balance can enhance coordination and strength without high landing forces.
