Here’s a fun and terrifying fact, according to CDC.gov, more than 719,000 people had knee replacement surgery in 2010. That’s more than the entire population of El Paso.
The reasons for surgery are different but the reality is, there are exercises to help strengthen your knee. Howcast.com posted a great video with Eric Sampson. He’s a certified physical therapist who breaks down what you “kneed” to know on how to get your knee in better shape. Some quick reminders, you can have the best cardio in the world but you got to remember that it will mean nothing if you don’t get your hamstrings, quads and hip flexors stronger. It’s often an oversight for runners but a serious necessity.

1.) A simple straight leg raise will do wonders. Make sure you’re keeping your hamstrings leg muscles tight. This will work your hip flexor and quads.
2.) Now flip to your side and do the same.
3.) Lie on your stomach, control your breathing and do the same for a 10 reps.
4.) Here’s one that’ll get you sweating. Lets work on the inner thigh, get on your side, bring the knee that is not on the floor and plant the foot down. Next, do a side leg raise.

Do 3 sets of 10 reps with each exercise at least twice a week. It should improve your mobility, flexibility and reinforce those knee muscles.