How can I replace squats?
 

So my knees are really beat up from years of dance. My question is what exercises can i do to replace squats and lunges. I can do MAYBE 10 at most before wanting to die. The leg extension machine at the gym hurts my knees uber bad too. So anyone have exercises to upper legs,thighs,hamstrings that arent too hard on the knees?

Proper squats are actually good for your knees! :) If you do them carefully with proper form, they'll actually help strengthen the ligaments that support your knees and your kneecaps

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So do you think i should keep doing them even if i can only do a few? i dont do them often cause it hurts after a few and im afraid i will mess them up more. ya think i should just do them a few times a week to help my knees? sorry for all the questions

Any chance you could talk to a sports medicine doc or athletic trainer? They might be able to give you some pointers/alternatives. Sorry I couldn't be more help. Good luck!!

Here's some info to help you out!

http://exercise.about.com/library/blsquatFAQ.htm
http://stronglifts.com/squats-knee-pain/

:)

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I thought my knees were going to explode when I did squats and lunges too - and I was sure I was doing them properly. I bought some cheap braces at the pharmacy (about $10 each). You can get them at Sports Authority or any other sports store, or even most drug stores. I just bought them as small as I could tolerate without cutting off circulation - they work great and I can do lunges and squats until my rear can't handle them anymore!

Thsnks everyone one. Photochick that 2nd article really helped. You always seem to have good advice. :)

- Hamstring extensions on the fit ball
- lunges with a small range (not as deep as standard lunges)
- seated leg curl (quads)
- seated leg press (uses same muscles as a squat)
Hope this helps. I think lunges are the best, if they aren't painful for you - because instead of isolating one muscle, it's a compound exercise involving a few major muscles.

Thanks! :) I love the stronglifts.com site. I read it every day.

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Not all knee problems are the same.

I have knee problems and went to a sports med doc and for MY situation he said I should NOT do squats. So be sure that the advice you're getting is right for your situation....

Squats and lunges always hurt my knees, but I can do step ups with no problem.
I also do wall sit isometric holds and leg extensions with tension.

Good luck :)