Knee Series

Knees are like a double-edged sword. On one hand, they are responsible for being the interface for three of the strongest muscle groups in the body. On the other, they are vulnerable. If you have a significant knee injury, at best, you have a lengthy and non-linear rehabilitation. At worst, surgery.

While no program can guarantee protection from an injury, it can reduce the risk. As we've always said, "you'll never know about the injuries you never get."

There are many knee injury prevention programs out there. Most focus on strengthening the calf, hamstring, and quad muscles but often overlook the adductors. These muscles, like the Gracilis, also support knee health and athletic abilities by helping with hip flexion and rotation. Because of this, the program follows a simple philosophy, develop strength across the major muscle groups that act on the knee. Then once they're strong, expose them to an increase in force and amplitude using single leg plyometrics.

PHASE ONE, SESSION ONE

This is the first session you'll do each week for the first three weeks. Every exercise has a video and

explanation attached to it. Complete in order, and repete for 3 rounds.

Exercise 1 - Deficit Calf Raise

  • Push through big toe at the top

  • Control movement up and down

  • 15-20 reps each side

Exercise 2 - Chinese Plank

  • Keep soft bend in knees

  • Drive hard through heels and butt

  • Hold for 30-40 seconds

Exercise 3 - Single Leg Box Squat

  • Keep 3 points of contact with foot

  • Don’t rest or unload on box

  • 8-15 reps per leg

Exercise 4 - Lateral Bound and Stick

  • Push AWAY with jumping leg

  • Try to balance without hopping around

  • 6 reps per leg