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17 Seated Knee Exercises for Seniors That Strengthen, Support, and Soothe Bad Knees

11 Seated Knee Exercises for Seniors That Strengthen, Support, and Soothe Bad Knees- seated knee exercises for seniors

Maintaining knee health becomes more important as we age—and then more challenging, too, which is why seated knee exercises for seniors can be especially helpful.

If you’ve been dealing with knee pain, a previous injury, or bad knees in general, starting a new exercise routine may feel intimidating.

But here’s the good news:

You don’t have to stand, squat, or climb stairs to strengthen your knee joints [5].

It is essential to have strong knees [¹].

Our knees are supported by our hamstrings and other muscles that need strengthening so that our knees are protected from injury and pain.

If you are already suffering from knee pain or injury and are unable to support yourself while exercising, watch this video and learn how to perform the six Seated Knee Strengthening Exercises while sitting in a chair.

These seated knee exercises for senior are simple, effective, and then joint-friendly.

They help reduce stiffness, improve knee flexibility, and then strengthen the muscles surrounding the knees—all without putting your full body weight on your joints.

Let’s jump right into the step-by-step seated knee exercises [4] for older people.

You’ll find 17 routines below that can be done from a sturdy chair or bench.

They’re great for beginners or those recovering from a knee injury.

Medical Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The content in this post is not meant to substitute for a professional diagnosis, advice, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on managing medical conditions or before starting any new treatment options

Starting Position for All Exercises: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, knees bent at 90 degrees, and then upper body tall and straight. Keep your feet hip-width or shoulder-width apart for stability.

1. Hamstring Drags

2. Leg Lifts

3. Cat-cow

4. Side Lunge

5. Clam Shells

6. Figure 4

7. Seated Knee Extensions

Targets: Quadriceps muscles, knee flexibility.

8. Pillow Squeeze

Targets: Inner thigh and knee muscles.

9. Seated Marches

Targets: Hip flexors, knee, and leg muscles.

10. Calf Raises (Seated)

Targets: Knee joints, hamstring muscles.

 11. Foot Slides

For this exercise, you need to use a towel or a small rug.

Targets: Knee joints, hamstring muscles.

12. Heel Tap

Targets: Knee flexibility, lower leg muscles.

13. Heel Toe Taps

Targets: Lower leg and ankle mobility.

14. Ankle Rolls

Targets: Circulation, flexibility for climbing stairs.

15. Mini Seated Squats

Targets: Body weight support, knee muscles.

16. Leg Lifts

Targets: Hip flexors, quadriceps, lower abdominals.

17. Hamstring Squeeze (Isometric)

Targets: Hamstring muscles, back leg support.

These knee-strengthening [²] exercises are ideal for those who have limited mobility or where performing these exercises on the floor would cause additional pain. Give them a try and see how much stronger your knees will feel.

Why These Seated Knee Exercises for Seniors Matter

These targeted exercises for seniors help:

And because they’re low-impact, they’re safe for seniors with bad knees, arthritis, or recovering from knee surgery.

These moves also support healthy knees by building up the muscles surrounding the joint without aggravating inflammation.

“Exercise is the single most important thing you can do for knee arthritis. It strengthens the muscles around the joint, which helps take pressure off the knee and improves function.”— Dr. Grace Hsiao-Wei Lo, Rheumatologist and Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)

Safety Tips Before You Start

Final Thoughts: Strong Knees Without Standing Up

If standing hamstring curls, squats, or high-impact moves are off the table, these seated knee exercises for seniors offer a smart, safe way to maintain mobility, strengthen the knees, and avoid further injury.

You don’t need fancy equipment. You don’t need to stand. Just a chair, your body weight, and a few minutes a day to see real results.

Ready to feel stronger with every rep? Start your exercise routine today—your knees will thank you.

With Knee Pain Solved, you’ll discover safe, easy-to-follow movements that target the root of your discomfort. No more sitting on the sidelines—start feeling stronger, more flexible, and pain-free today.

FAQ’s

How can I strengthen my knees while sitting down?

Do seated exercises like leg extensions, quad sets, and heel slides. These help activate and strengthen the muscles around the knee without putting pressure on the joint.

What is the #1 mistake that makes bad knees worse?

Avoiding movement. Staying inactive weakens muscles that support the knee, leading to stiffness and more pain over time.

How do you exercise arthritic knees while sitting?

Use gentle, low-impact movements like marching in place, straight-leg raises, or using a resistance band around your thighs for light stretching—all done while seated.

Which oil is best for knee pain relief?

Eucalyptus, peppermint, and turmeric oils are popular for reducing inflammation and easing knee discomfort. They can be massaged into the area when diluted with a carrier oil.

1. Amssm. (n.d.). Build Strong Knees. https://beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=2852

2. Currier, D. P. (1977). Positioning for Knee Strengthening Exercises. Physical Therapy, 57(2), 148–152. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/57.2.148

3. O. R. Seynnes, C. N. Maganaris, M. D. De Boer, P. E. Di Prampero, M. V. Narici
First published: 18 February 2008 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1716.2008.01842.xCitations: 65

4. Kayleen Sager
Pages 144-151 | Published online: 12 May 2016
Cite this article
https://doi.org/10.1080/00913847.1984.11701853

5. Juan A. Mérida-Velasco, Indalecio Sánchez-Montesinos, Joaquín Espín-Ferra, José F. Rodríguez-Vázquez, José R. Mérida-Velasco, Juan Jiménez-Collado
First published: 06 January 1999 https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0185(199706)248:2<269::AID-AR14>3.0.CO;2-NCitations: 59

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