Sore knees? Try this!
If you don't know this about me already - I've had 2 knee reconstructions, 1 in each knee (thanks, netball!)
So when someone tells me they can't exercise because of their knees, I really do get it.
But here's what I've learned both as someone who's been through it AND as a Myotherapist working with women experiencing knee pain:
Pilates is actually one of the BEST things you can do for your knees.
The trick? Shifting your mindset from what you CAN'T do to what you CAN do. And at Nest, we have plenty of options and ideas for you. Always.
Here are 3 simple options to try:
1. Squats feel painful?
Forget the full squat for now. Have you tried just a mini, half, or even quarter squat to see how it feels?
You're still using those muscles to do that mini squat. I wonder if this is an option for you?
2. Kneeling feels painful?
You need two things:
A soft mat (squishy but still firm)
A pillow for under your knees
This simple setup can make all the difference. Seriously.
3. Still a little uncomfortable?
If you've been avoiding kneeling or squatting, yes, it might still feel a bit uncomfortable at first.
But you won’t rid yourself of that discomfort without gradual exposure to those movements. It's about gently building strength over time. .
After trying a modified movement, ask yourself: Is my pain better, worse, or the same?
If it's not worse, you're safe to do it again. And it will get easier each time.
The truth about knee pain
The more you move your knees, gently strengthen the muscles surrounding them, and use them in safe ways, the happier they'll be.
Your brain needs to learn that movement is safe. And once it does? Things start to improve - often much faster than you'd expect.
You deserve to move without fear. And I'm here to help you do exactly that.