29/05/2026
We get this question all the time: "Is running bad for your knees?"
Well the simple answer is absolutely.
Running is one of the WORST things you can do for your knees...
but only if you're doing these things:
1. Not progressing your load appropriately. General rule of thumb is a 10 to 15% increase weekly to make sure that you're not overdoing things.
2. Running is terrible for your knees if you don't have the strength to back it up.
Oftentimes people will neglect single-leg exercises, direct calf work, hamstring, quad, and lateral hip work as an exchange for their increased running load.
This is actually the opposite of what we need to do: strengthen up them legs.
3. Most runners, especially amateur runners, need to give themselves more time between their runs. Having a day off is one of the best ways to manage this.
If you're doing any of these things, stop doing them. Your knees will thank you.