[laohaire]

My knees are total crap. They pop. They groan. They crack. They're weak.

Now, do I do squats to help them? Or is that like doing curls with a broken wrist - not recommended??

I'm talking squats with no weights to begin with, of course. Would that help or hurt my knees considering I sound like an old man ("AARRGHH") every time I push myself off the floor after kneeling to zip my kid's jacket?

 

[accountclosed3]

ok, i would start with yoga and get a teacher who knows about knee issues. seriously, you can rehab a lot through yoga poses, and then start up with weights if you'd like. it helps a lot.

 

[sapphire_chan]

If you do do squats, do full ones. The thighs-parallel-to-the-floor versions are supposed to be much worse for your knees.

 

[SequoiasMom]

Yoga is good, it will help strengthen and align. I would also suggest doing some stability work. Like, balancing on one foot, standing (safely) on an unstable surface, also strengthening your medial and lateral ligaments. Doing side leg lifts with VERY light weight (or none at all), and cross the body inner thigh lifts should help.
I would make sure your knees are stable and ready before you add any weight.
Another good tip is to do squats with an exercise ball against the wall, and your back against the ball. This encourages proper alignment, and less stress on the knee joint. Make sure you lower with your hips back, like you're sitting in a low chair. Knees over ankles.

 

[SequoiasMom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapphire_chan If you do do squats, do full ones. The thighs-parallel-to-the-floor versions are supposed to be much worse for your knees.

What do you mean, "full ones"?
All the way to the floor, a deep squat? I completely disagree.

 

[fek&fuzz]

when my nana was old and had bad knees, the doctors had her strap on light weights to her ankles and then raise and lower her legs as she sat in a hard chair. helped her knees without the pressure.

 

[sapphire_chan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SequoiasMom What do you mean, "full ones"? All the way to the floor, a deep squat? I completely disagree.

No, no, just go below parallel--or to parallel if you've got a mirror or another person to confirm that you're to parallel and not above. Squats often feel deeper than they are.

Like this lady: http://www.infobarrel.com/media/image/899.jpg probably thinks her thighs are parallel to the ground.

But I don't think squats are a good knee exercise unless you've got a physical therapist or the like working with you.