Does jumping, hopping and other such activity bring on knee pain? If so, try these two low-impact Pilates moves. They’re designed to help protect your knees, keep the pain at bay and increase your overall mobility
By Priscilla Regli
Half-Squat
1. Stand straight, feet shoulder-width apart, with head, knees and feet all forward-facing.
2. Bend the knees as deeply as is comfortable until you’re in a crouching or half-squat pose, then return to the upright position.
3. Repeat for a total of 10 half-squats.
Stretch It Out
1. Stand straight, with one hand against the wall at shoulder height.
2. With the other hand, grab the sameside ankle behind you; you can either flex this raised foot or keep it loose.
3. Hold this position for one minute; then switch sides, with the first hand now grasping its same-side ankle and the second now resting against the wall at shoulder height.
Quick Tip
To keep your knees flexible and strong—crucial to maintaining your overall mobility—do this mini-workout two or three times a week. Your knees will thank you.
Photo credit: Laurence Labat
