Hope for my knees?

Aside from loading up on glucosomine, any suggestions for stretches or other exercise to build up knee joint strength? By the end of class, I sometimes can barely bow out. More seriously, I worry I am going to take a backwards roll and mess up without more toughness in those joints.

I'm 47 and otherwise in pretty good shape (imho)...

Thanks in advance for any advice.

kb

Kay Bellor wrote: Aside from loading up on glucosomine, any suggestions for stretches or other exercise to build up knee joint strength?

Not knowing the specifics of your situation, I'd recommend:

squats and squat substitutes

Cycling and swimming are worth considering as there would be no impact on your joints.

Regards,

Paul

There is a exercise that we do at the dojo I practice at that might help. Stand in neutral ham-ni, then pick a side and raise up a arm, then strike down with it, imagine you have sword, and at the same time twist your hips inward and drop to the same side knee as the arm that is striking down and inward. You should hit the mat with your knee, then rise up and do it on the other side. This looks just like a kokyu nage throw, as well. Be careful though!! This puts a lot of strain on your knees! It does help build muscle though.

I'm with Paul. Squats, ballet barre (really good for hip strenghth and balance,too),stair climbing.
I wouldn't do something that puts strain on the knees until you've strenghthened them somewhat.

IMHO, its always wise to get a competent sport orthopedic consult on knees. Go to the physical therapy sites and get the knee stabilization routines. Warm up. Watch you form and alignment of the toes, ankles, knees, and hips all pointed in the same direction and don't extend the knee beyond the toe line. Don't push the knee past when they get tired.

Michael Cardwell wrote: and at the same time twist your hips inward and drop to the same side knee as the arm that is striking down and inward. You should hit the mat with your knee, then rise up and do it on the other side..

If a middle aged person is contemplating taking glucosamine, what I read between the lines is meniscus damage and/or osteoarthritis. In neither case would I recomment anything involving torquing and kneeling.
It WOULD be very helpful to have more complete information about what bothers you and what, if anything, a doctor or physical therapist has said, as an anecdotal report of pain or discomfort will bring us out of the woodwork w/ suggestions for things that may be very different from what ails you!
cheers
janet