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Rate My Workout: A Better, Painless Leg Workout

Carlos G. from Los Angeles sent us his leg workout and said his knees hurt. Here’s how we helped him out.

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  • 25 Min

  • 4

  • Yes

A Better, Painless Leg Workout
A Better, Painless Leg Workout

Our Advice

Switch to box squats. They force you to sit back more (onto the box), developing good squatting mechanics and putting the stress of the movement on your hips—where it should be—rather than on your knees. Instead of lunges, do reverse lunges, where you step backward to lower yourself. This helps keep your front shin vertical when lunging, preventing knee strain.

SEE ALSO: How to Deal With Knee Pain>>

Quick Tip

If your knees hurt, work your hamstrings more. Muscle imbalances can cause knee pain.

Let Us Revamp Your Routine

Want to be featured online and in our next issue? Post your workout using the hashtag “#ratemyworkout” or email your name, location (state, city), and program (reps, sets, duration) to webmaster@muscleandfitness.com.

Routine

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Carlos' Old Workout

M&F Rating: C-

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest

Carlos' New Workout

Exercise
Equipment
Sets
Reps
Rest
Exercise 5 of 4

Box Squat

Equipment
Sets
3
Reps
10
Rest
60-90 sec
Exercise 6 of 4

Reverse Lunge

Equipment
Sets
4
Reps
12
Rest
60-90 sec
Exercise 7 of 4

Romanian Deadlift

Equipment
Barbell
Sets
3
Reps
15
Rest
60-90 sec
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