The passage of time is taking a toll on your body, especially your knees. It is common to find men and women over 50 who are plagued with tendonitis, arthritis, and limited movement in their knees.

If you are unhealthy or overweight, you are more likely to suffer from knee problems. Therefore, the sooner you can achieve knee fitness over 50 the better off you will be.

Fitness over 40 includes the health of your joints, especially your knees. After age 50, it is even more critical that you protect and strengthen your knees.

Everyday, your knees bear all of your weight as you walk, stand, go upstairs, and perform many other basic activities. Weak tendons and muscles do not fully absorb shock before it reaches your knees and causes joint damage.

Joint damage can eventually limit your knee’s ability to bear weight and restrict movement. If you want to be able to stay independent later in life, you have to focus on strengthening your knees today.

The best way to protect your knees during exercise is by warming up beforehand. Start with a short walk to loosen and stretch your leg muscles and joints.

Next, bend you leg and slowly pull your knee up to your chest. Do this 10 times per leg. Finally, grab your ankle and gently pull your leg up behind your back.

Repeat this stretch 10 times as well. These stretches will prepare your knees for the intensity of your full exercise program.

Over 50 exercise for the knees can be done at any intensity level. Leg curl and press machines let you add weight as you desire. If you do not want to use machines, leg lifts, short-arc leg extensions, partial squats, hamstring curls, and leg swings are just as effective.

You will want to make sure that you work your knees from various angles and directions. This will prepare your knee to support you through a wide range of movements and activities.

Make sure you also exercise to lose unwanted weight because it will reduce the load your knees must bear.

Fitness over 50 for your knees includes strengthening your thighs and calves. Also, you must keep your tendons flexible.

Yoga is a great way to stretch and tone your leg muscles and tendons. Yoga instructors can show you which movements will be benefit your knees. Pilates is also effective to strengthen your knees because it uses your body weight as resistance.

If your knee is weak, you may find needed support and relief using a knee brace. There are many different types of braces. If you have a previous injury, your doctor may give you a rehabilitative brace to prevent certain activity.

People suffering from arthritis often use a unloader brace for support. Otherwise, a basic functional brace should give you enough support during your exercises.

If you happen to overwork your knees you should rest. If you have pain, redness, or swelling you should take a break for two or more days. If the problem persists, you should talk to your doctor.

He can help you develop an exercise plan for fitness over 50 that will benefit your knees. He may also recommend vitamin supplements for joint health.

Strengthening, toning, and stretching your legs increases your knee health. Healthy knees are important if you want to climb stairs or take a stroll with loved ones later in life.

Caring for your knees now will give you the support you need in your 70s, 80s, or even later.