The least stressful exercise on the knees involves low, or no, impact to the joint. Low-impact exercises concentrate on strengthening and stretching the supporting muscles to keep your knee stabilized and operating properly. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
Isometrics
Isometrics strengthen muscles without moving the joint. An example of an isometric knee exercise involves the quadriceps, or thigh muscle, your knee's largest supporting muscle. Lie on your back with legs fully extended. Tighten your thigh muscle and hold for eight seconds. Attempt to push your knee against the surface. Release the tension and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Bed
Even if bedridden, you still need to exercise to keep muscles fluid and strong. You can do this while lying on your back. Gently work your quadriceps by bending both knees until the soles of your feet lie flat on the bed's surface, according to Sit and Be Fit. Gently lift your right leg until your thigh is perpendicular to the bed. Straighten your knee until it appears parallel to the bed. Tighten your kneecap. Hold this position for five seconds. Slowly return to the original position and relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times with each leg.
Water
Water supplies natural buoyancy and viscosity that supports the majority of body weight, taking pressure off all body joints, including the knees. Water also naturally strengthens muscles without stressing joints through its natural resistance properties. The least stressful exercise on the knees can provide an all-body workout for individuals with joint conditions, such as arthritis, through water walking, water aerobics or swimming. Get into chest-deep water for water walking. Walk backward across the pool's width. Rest for one minute. Face forward and walk back to the starting position. Increase your time and pace as you become stronger.
Stretches With Walls
The least stressful exercise will gently stretch the knee's surrounding muscles to enhance fluidity and flexibility, prevent or minimize joint stiffness and minimize pain levels. Stretching also helps improve blood circulation to the area and warms muscles, which lowers the risk of injury. Start stretching your hamstrings by using a wall as an exercise tool. Place your right leg against the wall while lying on your back on the floor. Move your body as close to the wall as possible to increase the stretch along the backside of your knee. Hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Gently move your body away from the wall while lowering your leg. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise five times with each leg.
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