Caring For Your Knee Through Fitness Over 50

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As time passes, you may have noticed that some parts of your body have aged more rapidly than others, especially your knees.

Many middle age men and women suffer from knee problems like tendonitis, arthritis, and a limited range of motion.

If you are unhealthy or overweight, you are more likely to have knee problems. This is why it is important to achieve knee fitness over 50.

Knee health is a vital part of fitness over 40. If you are over 50, it is even more critical that you strengthen and protect your knees.

All day long, your knees bear your weight as you walk, stand, go upstairs, and do many other basic activities. If you have weakened muscles and tendons, they are not adequately absorbing shock before it travels to your knee joint and causes damage.

This damage can wear down your joint and eventually limit your range of motion and load bearing ability. Therefore, if you want to remain independent later in life you must keep your knees strong.

Warm Up

A good warm up is critical to protecting your knee. Begin by walking around a short while to loosen and stretch your muscles and joints.

Then, bend your leg and slowly pull your knee to your chest. Repeat this action 10 times per knee.

Next, pull your leg up behind your back by holding your ankle. Repeat this movement 10 times per knee.

These stretches will prepare your knee's support muscles for more intense exercise.

Exercises

You can exercise your knees at any intensity level. Leg press and leg curl machines give you the ability to add as much resistance as you want.

If machines are not for you, you can do leg lifts, short-arc leg extensions, hamstring curls, leg swings, and partial squats.

Your exercises should work your knees from various angles and directions to make sure your knees can support you through a full range of activities.

Finally, exercises to lose weight will greatly help because they will lighten the load your joints have to bear.

Knee fitness over 50 includes strengthening the thigh and calves which support your knees. You also need to focus on keeping the attached tendons flexible.

Yoga stretches and tones both your leg muscles and tendons. A yoga instructor can teach you the best knee movements.

Pilates is another great exercise to strengthen your knees because it uses your body weight as resistance.

Knee Support

If you have an overly weak knee, you should consider using a knee brace. Knee braces vary according to your needs.

A functional knee brace can give you basic support during normal exercise. If you have already injured your knee, your doctor may give you a rehabilitative brace which limits activity. Many people who have arthritis find relief and support from an unloader brace.

If you have over stressed a knee, you should give it rest. If there is pain, redness, or swelling you should take a break from exercising for a couple of days.

If the discomfort continues, you should consult your doctor. You doctor can help you create an exercise plan for fitness over 50 that will accommodate your knee strength. Also, you doctor may recommend vitamin supplements to promote joint health.

As you strengthen, tone, and stretch your legs you are increasing the health of your knees. You will need healthy knees to be able to climb stairs and walk with loved ones later in life.

If you care for your knees now, they will support you into your 70s, 80s, and later.

by

rodneyW

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