You may have noticed that the toll of aging has been greater on some parts of your body than others. It is very common for middle age men and women to suffer from knee problems such as arthritis, tendonitis, and limited range of motion. This is especially so for people who are unhealthy and over weight. Therefore, it is important that you begin to focus on knee exercises and fitness over 50.
Fitness over 50 includes the health of your joints, especially your knees. After age 50, it is even more critical that you protect and strengthen your knees. Everyday, your knees bear all of your weight as you walk, stand, go upstairs, and perform many other basic activities. Weak tendons and muscles do not fully absorb shock before it reaches your knees and causes joint damage. Joint damage can eventually limit your knee’s ability to bear weight and restrict movement. If you want to be able to stay independent later in life, you have to focus on strengthening your knees today.
The best way to protect your knees during exercise is by warming up beforehand. Start with a short walk to loosen and stretch your leg muscles and joints. Next, bend you leg and slowly pull your knee up to your chest. Do this 10 times per leg. Finally, grab your ankle and gently pull your leg up behind your back. Repeat this stretch 10 times as well. These stretches will prepare your knees for the intensity of your full exercise program.
Knee exercises can be a basic or as intense as you want. Leg press and leg curl machines exercise your knees and you can add weight as you become stronger. If you do not want to use machines you can also perform leg lifts, short-arc leg extensions, partial squats, hamstring curls, and leg swings. Make sure that you perform movements which put resistance on your knee and legs from various angles and directions. This will increase your knee support through a full range of activities. Finally, any exercise which reduces weight will benefit your knees because it will lighten the load on your joints.
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.
If you feel that your knee is especially weak, then you may want to use a knee brace. There are different types of knee braces, depending on your needs. A basic functional knee brace should give you adequate support through most exercises. If you have a prior knee injury, your doctor may give you a rehabilitative brace to limit certain activity. Also, if you have arthritis in your knee you may find relief from an unloader brace.
If you feel that you have overworked your knees, the best medicine is rest. If you notice pain, redness, or swelling you should take a couple of days off before your resume exercising. If you continue to have discomfort, you should ask your doctor to take a look at it. Your doctor can also help you develop an exercise plan for fitness over 50 tailored to your knee. You may also decide to include a vitamin supplement to promote joint health.
Strengthening, toning, and stretching your legs increases your knee health. Healthy knees are important if you want to climb stairs or take a stroll with loved ones later in life. Caring for your knees now will give you the support you need in your 70s, 80s, or even later.
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