You do it to burn calories and keep your heart young. But it turns out that cardio is a knee pleaser, too.
Vigorous activities like running, swimming, and brisk walking -- anything that boosts your heart rate and makes it slightly difficult to talk -- could increase the amount of bone-cushioning cartilage you have in your knees. There's just one caveat.
Knee Savers
Vigorous exercise = good for the knees. Vigorous exercise that causes a joint injury = really bad for your knees. So, although cardio workouts may help build joint cartilage, play it safe. Don't overdo it and risk joint injury. That will only set your knee health back. Waaaaay back. Knee injuries can more than double your risk of arthritis down the road. (Could that creaking in your knee be arthritis? Take this assessment and find out.)
Joint Effects
Here are a few more ways to keep your knees in tip-top shape:
RealAge Benefit: Reducing your risk of arthritis by losing excess weight can make your RealAge up to 6 years younger.
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Vigorous activities like running, swimming, and brisk walking -- anything that boosts your heart rate and makes it slightly difficult to talk -- could increase the amount of bone-cushioning cartilage you have in your knees. There's just one caveat.
Knee Savers
Vigorous exercise = good for the knees. Vigorous exercise that causes a joint injury = really bad for your knees. So, although cardio workouts may help build joint cartilage, play it safe. Don't overdo it and risk joint injury. That will only set your knee health back. Waaaaay back. Knee injuries can more than double your risk of arthritis down the road. (Could that creaking in your knee be arthritis? Take this assessment and find out.)
Joint Effects
Here are a few more ways to keep your knees in tip-top shape:
- Maintain a healthy weight. (See how close you are to perfect with this tool.)
- Strengthen the muscles that support your joints. And stretch. Here's why.
- Take your vitamins. Nutrients like vitamins C, E, and D may help slow arthritis progression.
RealAge Benefit: Reducing your risk of arthritis by losing excess weight can make your RealAge up to 6 years younger.
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How do you know if your heart rate's too high instead of "in the zone"? This heart-rate monitor may be just what you need to avoid overdoing it while you give your knees a workout.
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