Just started Fat Loss III and ran into a small problem -- my knees are so badly damaged (genetics) that there is no control between 90 and 180 degree bends. Basically going up or down steps is very dangerous for me unless I have something to hold onto.
I found a way to adapt lunges by lightly holding onto something (think ballerina bar) but the step ups are much more complex.
Are there alternatives to Step Ups without giving me nightmares?
Thanks!
Jim~
__________________
The things we want or value the most may not be found under a blanket of warmth and security, but out there, in the cold. ~MMMM~
Can you put the step near the bar? Or maybe set up your step in the squat rack so you have something to hold on to? For weight, you'd be limited to holding a dumbell in your other hand.
__________________ The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same. -- Carlos Castaneda
Can you put the step near the bar? Or maybe set up your step in the squat rack so you have something to hold on to? For weight, you'd be limited to holding a dumbell in your other hand.
I thank you for the suggestion but the problem is my goofy knee (mostly the left one) can only go from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, there is no control in between. The best way to describe it would be for you to sit in your desk chair and stick your leg out as if you were doing a leg extension; you would be able to lower your leg back down slowly and stop at any angle you chose. My knee pops out of place around the moment the I start to bend the leg and slides back into place when the foot crashes to the floor.
Jim~
__________________
The things we want or value the most may not be found under a blanket of warmth and security, but out there, in the cold. ~MMMM~
I know what its like to be worried about the knees. I have racked mine up pretty good over the years but luckily not to the point where surgery was necessary. Anyway, my suggestion is to not worry about the weight for the step-ups at all and do the exercise with a very low step near a rack or bar. One of the things I find in my training is that if I can't do the exercise with correct form with body weight only, then there is no way I should be doing it with weight. So just set up low step near a rack or a bar and start working those knees. When that becomes easy, get something a little taller. Eventually your knees will start to get stronger.
Good luck!
Why thank you Hunter, I have been to three different doctors for my knees; two massive surgeries on the left knee, one massive surgery on the right.
I have metal parts and screws now (which is always fun at the airport) so what doctor would you suggest?
Jim~
Well, that bit of information in your original question would have been helpful. In fact, you said it was genetics.
Granted, I could have explained it better, but my point was that a doctor or PT that is helping personally and can see your knee working would be the best source of exercises for your particular situation.
Why thank you Hunter, I have been to three different doctors for my knees; two massive surgeries on the left knee, one massive surgery on the right.
I have metal parts and screws now (which is always fun at the airport) so what doctor would you suggest?
Jim~
I don't think hunter was trying to be rude. You might want to consult some type of physical therapist and see if they have any suggestions for alternatives.
Bad knees and step ups
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