Bodybuilding and Strength Training With a Knee Replacement

With knee replacements becoming more frequent in younger adults, many put off the surgery because of the limitations that they must follow to avoid possibly damaging the prosthesis. Many activities that are considered high impact like basketball, softball, running or jogging are no longer acceptable. One activity that you can continue on with is strength training or bodybuilding.

Though 99.9% per cent of the individuals receiving a knee replacement are not natural bodybuilders for instance, many younger adults would like the option to continue general strength training. There is no reason after having a replacement done that you should allow your physical appearance to go to waste. There is a small fraction that are involved in natural bodybuilding like myself that have not let a knee replacement slow them down.

Though the days of squatting heavy poundage may be over, there are numerous other exercises that can be done for the lower extremities themselves so that you do not lose that hard earned muscle tissue.

One exercise that you can use to replace the squat with is the leg press. You can still directly work the quadriceps without the forces of the barbell on your back causing extreme forces through the knee. Light dumbbell squats will work. You can easily use 30 pounds for 20-30 reps for instance without causing harm to the prosthesis as long as your technique is correct. Seated leg extensions can still be completed. I would recommend a higher rep scheme with these exercises as you do not want to use an extreme amount of weight which can torque the prosthesis. Your legs will respond to high reps and its also a great cardiovascular workout.

When it comes to the upper body there are really no limitations. In my training there has not been any upper body weight training exercise I have not done since having the knee replaced almost 10 years now.

So if you are someone that is involved in the iron game, bodybuilding or, just basic strength training do not let the prospect of having a knee replaced discourage you from continuing your lifting. just be sure before you start you get your medical clearance from your surgeon and start off with very light weights and slowly build up again to see what the new knee will tolerate.

Bodybuilding and Strength Training With a Knee Replacement by Richard A Haynes