My Favorite Exercises: 45-Degree Leg Press

Squats are always touted as the greatest exercise for the glutes (rear end) and the entire upper portion of the legs (especially the thighs). Unfortunately, they seem to aggravate my knees. I don't like pain, and I don't like injuries, so I avoid squats.

What's a girl to do? My favorite leg press exercise is done on a 45-degree sled with plates. In this exercise, you are pushing the weights upward while lying on your back rather than pushing the weights horizontally while seated.

Either version of the exercise is good. I simply prefer the 45-degree sled. I feel that I get a slightly better leg workout in this position.

To ensure you use good form and don't injure yourself, follow these guidelines:

• Keep your knees aligned over your toes to prevent knee strain.
• Only bend the knees as much as you can without putting strain on them. You'll have to determine where that point is through careful trial. If you feel a twinge, stop immediately and don't bend that far again. You may also need to lower your weight.
• Extend your legs all the way on the exertion, but never lock your knees.
  
• Keep your feet flat on the platform about shoulder width apart.

Especially if you have knee problems, you want to work to strengthen the muscles around the knees with leg presses, leg extensions and leg curls.

You can exercise injury-free at any age.