For several years my knees have buckled without any warning. Several times I have broken bones in the leg, ankle or foot as a result of the fall. After recovering from two broken bones int he left leg this summer, I started a new exercise program to build up the quads.

1. Use a grab bar in front of me for balance, I stand on one leg for two to three minutes. I then switch to the other leg. When I first started, two minutes did not seem possible.

2. After flexing the legs a few times, while still holding the grab bar I then twist to the left as far as I can go (I end up looking backwards) and then to the right. Each twist I hold for about five seconds and then twist in the opposite direction. I do ten twists to each side.

3. I flex my legs a few times and then while holding the grab bar walk in place. I actually perform the walking motion including the slight lifting of the knee and foot. I do 150-180 steps. At first, I could really build up a sweat doing these exercises, but today it is relatively easy and still something comfortable to do.

Results: I have noticed no adverse effects from the exercise and the quads and knees feel stronger today then they have felt in years. My balance has also improved.

For those further along you can do these same exercises in a swimming pool with less stress and with more safety. Keeping what muscles we do have in shape can do nothing but help.

Exercise Update:

I am now up to 3½ minutes on each leg, 20 twists to each side, and 180+ steps in place. My weak leg (the left one) is now as strong as my right one. I can more easily stand from a seated position (increased quad strength).