Knee know-how

PROFESSOR ERIN CALDERONE ANSWERS THIS BURNING QUESTION.

- ERIN CALDERONE

Are squats and lunges bad for my knees?

No. In fact, if you have healthy knees, squats and lunges should form the foundation of your lower-body training program. These highly functional movements translate to nearly every sport, working multiple muscle groups and quickly elevating your heart rate. Those who have a previous knee injury may experience pain and soreness in their knees from exercise, but so can an overzealous exerciser who does too many impact exercises in addition to a schedule of heavy squats and lunges. Regardless, if your knees start launching a complaint campaign, it’s worth a listen.

First, Form

The first thing to do is investigate your exercise form, because if your form is faulty, you’re likely to experience pain somewhere down the line. Here are some key points to remember for each move:

SQUATS

• Align your knees with your second or third toes.