Aches & Joints

Knee Exercises: Chair Squats

If you have arthritis, strengthening surrounding muscles can control movements of the knee, unload the knee joint and reduce pain.  Here, our Certified Trainer Janet Livingston from the Clubs at Charles River Park, demonstrates an exercise that you can perform at home to strengthen your knees and ultimately move in a pain-free manner.

Chair Squats

• Use a kitchen or dining room chair.  Chairs with a cushion or a couch will be too difficult to get in and out of.
• Stand in front of the chair with your feet parallel and shoulder distance apart.
• Extend arms in front and level with the shoulders.
• Start by slowing bending at the hips and lower down to sit on the chair.
• Then, push through heels to lift the body to the standing position.
• Do three sets of 10 each.

See also, Stationary Lunge in the next entry.
Please read these Precautions to Take Before Starting New Exercises