Easy Does It: Lower Body Workouts That Go Easy On Your Knees

Don’t allow a pain in your knees to prevent you from working out.

The following moves go easy on the knees.

Side-Lying Leg Lift

Tightens the thigh and glutes.

1. Lie on your side on the floor with your legs straight.
2. Rest your head on the supporting arm.
3. Place your top hand on your ab.
4. Slowly lift the top leg 1 to 2 feet off the ground and hold for a few seconds.
5. Repeat on the other leg.

Calf Raise

Strengthens calf muscles.

1. Stand straight with your feet hip width apart.
2. Slowly raise your heels until you’re on your tiptoes and pause for a few seconds.
3. Gently lower your heels back to the ground.

Deadlift

Strengthens your core and backside.

1. Hold a pair of dumbbells at arm’s length with your palms facing your thighs.
2. Stand with your feet hip width apart with knees slightly bent.
3. Bend at your hips until your torso is parallel to the ground.
4. Go back to starting position.
5. Do 15 reps.

Straight-Leg Raises

Strengthens thigh and hip.

1. Lie flat on your back with the leg straight and the left bent.
2. Lift your foot up, about 12 inches off the floor.
3. Pause.
4. Lower the foot back down and repeat with the left leg.