Goals
Get stronger without aggravating my knee.
Primary goal
Build real strength in my legs and upper body over the next few months without flaring up my left knee. Right now I avoid anything that bends it deeply, and I’d like to stop thinking about it.
Target date
Early June. We have a family hiking trip planned, and I want to carry a pack for a full day on the trail.
Why it matters
I want to keep up with my kids outside. Last summer I sat out the longer hikes because my knee ached on the way down.
Milestones
- Box squat 25 lb for 3 sets of 10, pain-free
- Step-ups onto a 16-inch box
- A two-hour hike with a loaded pack
Constraints
Left knee: deep squats aggravate it. Keep knee bend comfortable under load.
Left knee
Aches after deep squats and lunges, mostly the next day. Walking, cycling, and flat ground are fine. It has been this way for about two years, with no diagnosis.
Under load
Keep knee bend to about 90 degrees. Box squats, step-ups, and hinges like Romanian deadlifts have all felt good so far.
If it flares up
Stop the set and swap to a movement that bends the knee less. Note it, and check in before the next lower-body day.
Medical
No other injuries or restrictions reported. None of this replaces advice from a doctor or physical therapist.
Preferences
Trains at home before work, about 35 minutes. Adjustable dumbbells up to 25 lb.
Where and when
At home in the garage, weekday mornings before work. A session has to fit in about 35 minutes, warm-up included.
Equipment
- Adjustable dumbbells, 5 to 25 lb
- A flat bench
- A mini band
What works
Supersets and short rests keep it moving. Likes knowing tomorrow’s plan the night before. A short cue during a set is plenty; save the detail for between sets.
What doesn’t
Burpees and long warm-ups. Nothing with jumping, because of the knee.
Program
Knee-friendly strength, three days a week: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Week 3 of 8. The first four weeks build strength around the knee. The next four add load once box squats feel solid.
The week
- Monday: box squat, dumbbell floor press, one-arm row
- Wednesday: step-up, overhead press, hip thrust
- Friday: Romanian deadlift, push-up, split squat to a pad, carry
Progression
Add a rep each week. Once every set reaches 10, go up 5 lb and start back at 8.
Next review
At the end of week 4, look at how the knee has handled the load and decide whether to add a fourth day.