What exercises can build muscles in my glutes without stressing my knees?
Miriam E. Nelson, PhD, of Tufts University and the best-selling author of the Strong Women book series, responds: To avoid stressing your knees, the key to success is using proper form and slow, steady progression. There are a variety of exercises that can target your glutes—with proper form. Wide leg squats are an excellent option, and lunges will target these muscles. Try them either standing in one spot or stepping forward into the move. As you become stronger you can use a set of dumbbells with both of these exercises. The mistake many people make is that they extend the moves too far, letting their knees go past their toes. If you are not using proper form, you will know it—your knees will hurt! Concentrate on keeping your knees directly above your ankles in both the up and down moves, and be sure the majority of your body weight is in your heels. To target your glutes without involving the knee joint, try hip extensions using either a machine or exercise band. For step-by-step in
