Lose Those Pounds. Save Those Knees.
If you’re packing on the pounds, your knees are going to feel it. Did you know that every pound you gain slaps an extra 4 pounds of pressure on your knees? Do the math: a mere 5-pound gain translates to about 20 pounds of extra force per knee with each step. Keep it up and increased wear and tear, inflammation, muscle imbalance, and maybe even osteoarthritis will be waiting for you. But don’t despair. Losing even a small amount of weight loss can reduce knee stress and pain. If you’re noticing discomfort, beef up those quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Ditch the high-impact stuff for low-impact gems like swimming or cycling. And for the love of Pete, use proper form. Stretch often, lace up the right shoes, and ease into your workouts. Your knees will thank you.
Image: Komthong Wongsanjiam/Vecteezy
Medical Disclaimer: Heads up, gang. The information expressed here is not to be mistaken for medical advice. It’s merely a morsel of education for you to chew on, like a mental snack. If it sparks your interest, talk to a trusted health practitioner. It isn’t meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And if you’re dealing with a medical emergency, good God, man, call 911 ASAP.
