Getting Off Pain Pills - Maybe

[Doug]

Keep the same weight and increase repetitions.
As I've explained it to my wife, compare the build of a long distance runner.(Long distance= high repetition), thin build, to that of a sprinter(short distance=low repetition),thick muscular thighs.
Don't worry so much about resistance.

 

[JenniferG]

Keep the same weight and increase repetitions.
.

That's what I thought. But I don't understand how doing it more times will not build it up more.

 

[Doug]

You will build slightly but not as much as if you drop the repetitions down and add weight.
You will build some muscle with any exercise you do.
Different builds will build muscle according to their genetic potential. I happen to build strength and muscle easily. In fact I am surprised at 55 how easily it still comes. I believe it is genetics, and in part because I've lifted weights since I was 13. No matter what sport or martial art I've studied, I've always continued to lift.
Right now, strengthening the muscle around the knee needs to be a priority.
Muscle through strengthening exercise is what we need now to take those stairs like we were 18 again.
Whew, my fingers have gotten a workout. But I've enjoyed breaking it down for you. I got my first degree in physical education. Glad I didn't do that.

 

[JenniferG]

I was going to make a joke about you as DR/PT doug, but you really do have some training. Thanks for the explains. Another ? Why if I can bend so the weights hit bottom so to speak on the bench press I can barely squat to pick up something off the floor like a sock. Obviously my legs (knees) have the bend. Is it the weight ratio? I obviously weigh more than 40lbs even just the top half of me.

 

[JenniferG]

Not bench press, leg press.

 

[Doug]

Yes, it is the difference in body weight vs machine weight. Also, pushing on a machine is sterile. Meaning, it involves and isolates the target muscles. It also uses pulleys and cams to make a smooth lift.
Squatting and or bending from a standing position really incorporates the whole body including balance. Right now, with both of your knees, you probably rock to some degree to find a "comfort zone" or position of least pain. This can generate discomfort as well.
I was reading my wife what I had sent you. She was laughing because I've told her the same thing a dozen times at least.
I started laughng and told her that I hadn't thought of it but women do many more squats per day than men..i.e., bathroom.

 

[Nursepair]

Thanks for the website Doug, I thought when you said squats I would have to go from standing to right down. I can manage the first two positions at least. I will try them tomorrow.

I cleaned the whole house today, with Kevins help. He did the floors for me, I bought him a new toy for it, a Swiffer Wet Jet. It's easier that getting the mop and bucket out, and I won't have to go to the basement for it, it fits upstairs. I also took the vacuum apart as it was spitting out dust. It was plugged big time in the lower hose. It feels good to be doing the normal things again. It's great to see the house clean all the way through again, apart from the basement that is, usually I do the bathrooms and kitchen then I run out of steam. The dust had been bugging me big time!! I'm knackered now though.

 

[JenniferG]

Doug, please say hello to Mrs. Doug for me. And yes, we do squat alot (Rhyming). I'm going to work on the squatting thing because I think I shoulld be able to pick things up without recking my back. I didn't go through all this to mess up my back.
Sue, I vaccuumed for the first time since surgery the other day. I wasn't sure how it would be pushing and pulling with both legs done and at 5-6 weeks, but it was OK. Toward the end of me knee meltdown I had a neighborhood girl come in to clean alittle because i just couldn't do it. I had her come in a couple times after as well. I did tell her though that my goal was to get to the point I didn't need her. But no one really cleans it like I want and I don't want to pay out. So, getting back up to speed is a good thing. Who'd a thunk I'd be happy to housework again. I'm sure the novelty will wear off.