Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 day ago
Strength-training form mistakes can put extra stress on the knees
Knee pain is common, especially among older adults, and strength training can help prevent or manage knee problems.
But poor form during exercises can put extra stress on the joint.
One common mistake is letting the knee fall inward during a squat, lunge or leg press instead of keeping it aligned with the toes.
A mirror can help check alignment, and persistent inward movement may need evaluation by a physical therapist.
Tight ankles can also affect lunges, so taking a longer step may help keep the movement controlled.
Curtsy lunges can challenge balance and make it easier for the front knee to twist or fall inward.
The guidance is aimed at people doing strength exercises and focuses on changing technique to reduce strain.
Prevention reports that poor technique during strength training can place extra stress on the knees and contribute to pain or injury.
A knee collapsing inward during a squat, lunge or leg press is identified as a common form error.
The article says limited ankle mobility can affect knee alignment during lunges, and suggests stepping farther forward and checking form.
A curtsy lunge can increase balance and coordination demands, potentially causing the front or back knee to twist or lose alignment.
The article recommends checking technique in a mirror and consulting a physical therapist if the knee continues to collapse inward.
- Who
- People doing strength training, particularly older adults and people with knee problems
- What
- Advice on strength-training form mistakes that may contribute to knee pain and how to correct them
- When
- Published October 10, 2026
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Improper technique can put additional stress on the knees and raise the risk of pain or injury
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
This is the most common form error that leads to knee pain
it’s really easy to torque your knee with a curtsy lunge
Our knee isn’t meant to rotate in that way
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- October 10, 2026
- Knee-pain study
- A 2011 study of more than 500 people over age 50 found knee pain reported by 32% of men and 58% of women
- Common form error
- The knee collapsing inward during a squat, lunge or leg press
- Physical therapist quoted
- Casey Lee, a Texas-based geriatric physical therapist at ATI Physical Therapy
- Trainer quoted
- Michelle Rogers, a certified personal trainer and senior fitness specialist in North Carolina
Sources
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