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Does Rowing Count as Strength Training?

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(Its notjustin your ears, folks.)

Movement patterns that repetitively place weight on the knee jointlike running or weight liftingbring cartilage gains.

But the goal isntjuststrength.

woman sweating in the gym

clinical associate professor of physical therapy at the University of Illinois, Chicago

Similar to a car, your joints require a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid, explains Keil.

And the way that that gets produced, at least in part, is through stimulating the cartilage.

So shock absorption and lubrication are two main functions of cartilage.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

The rules are a little bit different for a knee thats damaged.

How to strengthen knee cartilage with exercise

1.

So it might be time toget runningif youre not already collecting miles.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

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Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

clinical associate professor of physical therapy at the University of Illinois, Chicago

Only go as far as you could without rounding your back.

To make the most of your squats, Keil recommends switching up the style.

Trysumo squatsor jump squats to really keep your knee joints guessing.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Step one leg back so that both legs form a 90-degree angle.

verify your knees directly above your ankle and your core is engaged.

Step your back foot forward and switch sides.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Try side lunges

Now lets movelaterallywith those lunges.

Keep your back straight.

Use the power of your right leg and glute to bring your left foot back to center.

Repeat on the opposite side.

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