Leg workout that is supposed to be easy on the knees

hey guys - recently recovered from cartilage damage in my knee - found this workout that's meant to be easy on the knees - any opinions ?

Leg Extensions: 2 warmup
sets of 40 reps

Leg Extensions: 4 sets of 30
reps, 60-90 seconds rest

Step Ups: 4 sets of 15 reps,
60-120 seconds rest

Single Leg Squats: 2-3 sets
of 15 reps, 60-120 seconds
rest

Lunges: 2-3 sets for 10-15
reps, 90 seconds rest

Straight-Legged Deadlift: 4
sets of 8-12 reps, 60
seconds rest

Garth89 wrote: hey guys - recently recovered from cartilage damage in my knee - found this workout that's meant to be easy on the knees - any opinions ?

Leg Extensions: 2 warmup
sets of 40 reps

Leg Extensions: 4 sets of 30
reps, 60-90 seconds rest

Step Ups: 4 sets of 15 reps,
60-120 seconds rest

Single Leg Squats: 2-3 sets
of 15 reps, 60-120 seconds
rest

Lunges: 2-3 sets for 10-15
reps, 90 seconds rest

Straight-Legged Deadlift: 4
sets of 8-12 reps, 60
seconds rest

I'll stay away from Leg Extensions if I were you, they terrible on the knees! I squat 160/5kgs but wouldnt touch the Leg Extension machine cos I tore my left knee's ACL in my teens. Everytime I attempted the Leg Extensions, my left knee hurt and swelled up like a mofo. Squats using the correct form will have little effect on your knees.

Not sure how bad your cartilage damage is so hesitant to suggest squats just yet. Why don't you speak to your physio (or whoever helped you with rehab) about which exercises you ready for?

ok cool, went to a orthopedic surgeon that specializes in knees ,i mainly need to strengthen my quads to help support the knees, so he said a lot of cycling and then i can move onto quad exercises but obviously shouldn't do anything if i feel discomfort in the knee

Are you using knee straps?

Don't forget the hamstrings as well..the quad in combination with the hamstring stabilizes the knee.

If you do end up doing squats, use a wider than shoulder width, I find it places less stress on the knees and more on hips. Ditto with deadlifts.

Goodluck with the recovery..its a long and slow process, be patient and dont push your knee if it feel unstable or you feel too much pain.

interesting thread. Maybe read this www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/squats-how-safe...a-squat-exercise-319

@ Manery, yes i keep the weak knee strapped,otherwise find it pains a bit in the cold weather

and thanx Bruno will keep that in mind,definitely is a long slow process, but making some good progress

Garth89 wrote: @ Manery, yes i keep the weak knee strapped,otherwise find it pains a bit in the cold weather

and thanx Bruno will keep that in mind,definitely is a long slow process, but making some good progress

Just remember that strapping can also cause damage. the knee doesn't hinge in the normal way and actually opens up more.