Q: I shouldn't do lunges or squats because of my knees (both have torn meniscus) - so

[Nay]

can anyone suggest any substitute exercises to strengthen the front and back of my thighs? I do leg lifts with my knees locked, an exercise I did in physical therapy, but that only does so much. Would weights wrapped around my ankles add enough weight to strengthen thighs?

Thanks for any help!

[LeftofObama]

1. Here's an article from the LA Times about the pros and cons of ankle weights.

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-hew-askus10sep10-story.html



I used them briefly several years ago and they really didn't do anything except give me sore ankles.

If you have access to one you might want to try running in place in a pool. There is little to no impact on the knees and the resistance will help strengthen your legs.

[Nay]

2. Thanks. Makes me worry about weights. I do have one ankle that has

problems.

I already do water aerobics 4 times a week, so I may be doing all I need to do.

[DavidDvorkin]

3. I have bad knees, so I use ankle weights

Not while walking. I do specific exercises with them: leg extensions while seated, hamstring curls, leg lifts to side, back, and front.

[Nay]

4. Thank you. I think I'll start out slowly with the weights and do at least the leg lifts.

The extensions and curls may be a bit much.

[mythology]

5. As somebody with knees that are subpar,

I find the elliptical machine, particularly pedaling backwards, is good for the quads. Forwards is better for the hamstrings.

If your knee is up to it, wall sits are good too.

If you have a partner, doing resistance work like having your partner press against you while you either walk or crawl forward is good for the leg muscles, but especially the crawling might be hard on your knees, even if it is low impact.