Knee pain makes leg day feel impossible. Even simple moves can feel wrong or risky. But skipping training altogether isn’t the answer. That’s why choosing the best leg exercises for bad knees is so important—they let you stay active without making things worse.
The right moves build strength, protect your joints, and improve stability. No heavy squats. No high impact. Just smart, joint-friendly training.
Why Leg Exercises Matter If You Have Bad Knees
Bad knees don’t mean no leg day. You just need a smarter plan. In fact, doing leg exercises with knee pain can help. Sounds weird, but it’s true.
▪ More strength = more support
Strong muscles take pressure off your joints. Quads, glutes, hamstrings—they all help your knees move better.
▪ Better movement, less pain
The right exercises improve how your legs work. That means smoother steps. Fewer wobbles. Less strain.
▪ Skip training, feel worse
Avoiding leg workouts makes muscles weaker. Weak legs? More stress on your knees. It’s a bad cycle.
That’s why finding knee-friendly leg exercises is so important. You’re not trying to push through pain. You’re training around it—safely.
Best Leg Exercises for Bad Knees You Can Try Today
The best leg exercises for bad knees should be simple, safe, and easy on your joints. These moves avoid deep bends or harsh impact but still help you build real strength.
Seated Leg Extension
Sit on a chair with your back straight. Slowly lift one leg until it’s fully extended, then lower it back down. Great for activating your quads—no pressure on the knees.
Squats
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your hips just a little—don’t go too deep. Stop before your knees feel any pressure. Then stand back up. Keep it slow and controlled.
Kettlebell Deadlift
Use a light kettlebell. Hinge at your hips, not your knees. Push your hips back, keep your spine straight, then stand tall. Works glutes and hamstrings—minimal knee stress.
Glute Bridge
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Push through your heels to lift your hips up. Squeeze your glutes at the top, then lower slowly. No standing needed.
Step-Ups (Low Platform)
Use a low step. Step up, then step back down. Move slowly and stay balanced. Helps build leg strength and coordination without twisting the knees.
Wall Sit
Slide your back down a wall until your thighs are parallel to the floor—or stop higher if needed. Hold the position. Burns your legs without any movement, keeping knees stable.
These moves don’t just avoid pain—they help you build stability and support where it matters most.
Tips to Exercise Safely with Bad Knees
Exercising with bad knees doesn’t have to feel risky. You just need to train smart and move with control. Here are some key tips to keep your workouts safe:
| Tip | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Warm Up First | Walk in place, do light leg swings—get your joints ready. |
| Avoid Deep Bends | No deep squats or fast lunges. Keep the motion shallow. |
| Use Support if Needed | Wall or rail nearby? Use it. It helps with balance. |
| Stop if It Hurts | Sharp pain = stop. Choose a gentler movement. |
Bad knees don’t mean you stop training. You just shift the way you train. The right leg exercises can build strength, support your joints, and reduce pain over time. No impact. No guesswork. Just smart, simple moves that actually work.
I’m Riley Williams, an editor for Leadman Fitness where we engineer bespoke strength equipment tailored to unique training goals. My expertise lies in home gym solutions, mobility tools, and injury-prevention gear, shaped by 8 years as a strength coach and rehab specialist. I know how subtle design flaws—a knurling pattern that blisters hands or a bolt that loosens mid-session—can derail progress.
I bridge the gap between our production team and everyday athletes: surveying garage gym owners, analyzing wear patterns on returned gear, and pressure-testing prototypes with physical therapists. My content cuts through marketing hype, focusing on practical fixes—whether you’re retrofitting a basement gym or sourcing commercial equipment that survives 24/7 use. If it’s in our catalog, I’ve stress-tested it myself.