You can still work out, even if your joints aren’t what they once were. Most exercise scientists today say the squat is one of the most beneficial exercises you can do as you age. Just think about all the ways we squat throughout the day: grabbing dish soap from under the sink, crouching to hug your children and even sitting down on the toilet. “We probably do hundreds of squats a day,” said Christopher M. Powers, a professor of physical therapy at the University of Southern California. Some even say it’s fundamental to how we move. But what if you suffer from chronic knee pain and the thought of squatting makes you wince? Can you still do the exercise safely? It turns out, most people can effectively squat while navigating all sorts of issues, like kneecap pain, arthritis, meniscus tears, ligament and tendon strains and postoperative recovery, said Jarlo Ilano, a physical therapist in Seattle. |
AuthorCoach Betsy, Archives |