Diet & Fitness Blog
Ask Raphael: Protecting Your Knees
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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Have a question about your routine or anything fitness-related? Send it Raphael's way at askraphael@ediets.com.
Hi Raphael,
I am a 70-year-old male. I have had both hips replaced and consequently my quads have wasted away. I have been told that the exercise I am doing -- leg extensions -- are bad for the knees as they put too much strain on the knee joints. Is this true?
I am very active and train 4-5 times a week, albeit with only 20-pound dumbbells, and I play golf regularly. I have been doing your back exercises now for about five years, (e.g., the plank), and the core tightening, with pulled in stomach on your hands and knees, ever since I read your article some years ago.
Since then, I have had no trouble with my back and tell everyone who has back trouble to try these out; they really helped me. Thanks. -- Brian
Brian,
Thanks and I’m very glad the back exercises I recommended helped ease your back pain. Reading that made my day!
Concerning your question related to machine leg extensions: The very top of the motion does place a degree of force directly on the knee joint and this isn’t necessarily good for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of four major ligaments of the knee joint. However, if the movement is performed in a controlled manner with moderate weight then it’s perfectly acceptable.
The people who use heavy weight on leg extensions and heave the weight up with momentum are the ones most at risk with this type of movement, due to the excessive force directly on the knees. So just be sure to use control, focus on precise form and use moderate weight that allows for 12-15 repetitions.
The leg extension is a good exercise and it does isolate your quads, but it’s not a real significant muscle builder. However, based on your hip replacements and limitations, it’s a good option for you. Just make sure your doctor knows about it and recommends it.
I’m very impressed with your level of activity and that you don’t allow your hip replacements to interfere with a consistent and enjoyable program. You are a sensational example to everyone who makes excuses for not exercising.
I wish you the best of health and continued success!
Have a fitness question you want answered? Email Raphael at askraphael@ediets.com and you could have your question picked! And if you missed a previous column, see the archive here.
Make NOW your time to do something about your weight. eDiets can help make weight loss a little easier. Let our nutritionists and fitness pros guide you! Click here to find out more and save big!
Hi Raphael,
I am a 70-year-old male. I have had both hips replaced and consequently my quads have wasted away. I have been told that the exercise I am doing -- leg extensions -- are bad for the knees as they put too much strain on the knee joints. Is this true?
I am very active and train 4-5 times a week, albeit with only 20-pound dumbbells, and I play golf regularly. I have been doing your back exercises now for about five years, (e.g., the plank), and the core tightening, with pulled in stomach on your hands and knees, ever since I read your article some years ago.
Since then, I have had no trouble with my back and tell everyone who has back trouble to try these out; they really helped me. Thanks. -- Brian
Brian,
Thanks and I’m very glad the back exercises I recommended helped ease your back pain. Reading that made my day!
Concerning your question related to machine leg extensions: The very top of the motion does place a degree of force directly on the knee joint and this isn’t necessarily good for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of four major ligaments of the knee joint. However, if the movement is performed in a controlled manner with moderate weight then it’s perfectly acceptable.
The people who use heavy weight on leg extensions and heave the weight up with momentum are the ones most at risk with this type of movement, due to the excessive force directly on the knees. So just be sure to use control, focus on precise form and use moderate weight that allows for 12-15 repetitions.
The leg extension is a good exercise and it does isolate your quads, but it’s not a real significant muscle builder. However, based on your hip replacements and limitations, it’s a good option for you. Just make sure your doctor knows about it and recommends it.
I’m very impressed with your level of activity and that you don’t allow your hip replacements to interfere with a consistent and enjoyable program. You are a sensational example to everyone who makes excuses for not exercising.
I wish you the best of health and continued success!
Have a fitness question you want answered? Email Raphael at askraphael@ediets.com and you could have your question picked! And if you missed a previous column, see the archive here.
Make NOW your time to do something about your weight. eDiets can help make weight loss a little easier. Let our nutritionists and fitness pros guide you! Click here to find out more and save big!
Labels: ask raphael, knees, Raphael, working out, workout
1 Comments - Diet & Fitness Blog: Ask Raphael: Protecting Your Knees
Comment by 
paulmac said... - Tuesday, November 10, 2009 9:40:00 AM
I had a Knee cartilage op 3 years ago , and built them back upusing leg extensions & squats . I now run Half marathons.
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