How To Keep Moving…Even With “Bad” Knees

It’s a daily thing now for me to either receive an email inquiring about knee-friendly workouts or to have someone in class tell me they have a “bad” knee.   Well, with 30+ years in the fit biz and my own personal “bad knee”  experience, I have a lot to share on this subject! 

First off, as far as joints go, knees are vulnerable and complicated, making them more susceptible to injury. If you are struggling with knee pain, you’re not alone. 

Secondly, and I guarantee this to be true, footwear has NOT helped, protected or healed your knee. At best, footwear is benign. Most sneakers and shoes today have a slightly elevated heal which pushes weight forward, towards the toes. Not only has this forced the entire front line of the leg into chronic engagement, it has also dumped most of the weight bearing into the knee. In turn, there’s an imbalance of responsibility, and the knee gets the short end of the stick! 

Third, nobody should be running if they are overweight. Extended (five minutes or more) high-impact activity, even when carrying a mere ten extra lbs, is damaging to our precious knees. Brisk walking/hiking is way more ideal for those above the ideal weight range.

Five, and this is part one of today’s big take-away, knee problem or not, you and I can still move, be fit, and thrive!  Be sure to check out GENTLE SCULPT, it’s a 20minute easy-on-the-knees sculpt workout that is deceptively challenging – a legit total body workout.

And last but certainly not least (and part two of today’s take-away), be kind to your knees. In fact, coddle them! If that set of stairs hurt, go up ’em sideways. If cycling hurts, walk. Our knees don’t benefit from tough love and there’s zero truth to “no pain, no gain” when it comes to knees. 

“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is option,” so keep moving, tend to your knees with lovingkindness, and imagine your knees happy, healthy, pain-free and fabulous.