Next-Level Strength Exercises for the Knee

Next-Level Strength Exercises for the Knee

If your knees are constantly working—whether you’re an athlete or just active in daily life—you need them to be strong, stable, and pain-free. Knee strength isn’t just about avoiding injury. It’s about building resilience, improving movement efficiency, and supporting long-term mobility.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, we strongly recommend seeing a doctor before attempting any of these exercises. But if you’re ready to take your knee conditioning program to the next level, these knee strengthening exercises will help you build stronger knees, relieve pain, and prevent injury.


1. Nordic Curls – The Ultimate Knee Strength Builder

The Nordic curl is one of the best knee exercises ever made. It strengthens the muscles around the knees while putting almost zero stress on calf muscles. The NordBench is specifically designed to help keep you on the straight leg position during the entire rep. Its supportive padding helps keep you comfortable as you slowly bend back to the starting position. The NordBench was made by Dr. Garrett Drumheller, a sports physical therapist  who is more than familiar with existing knee pain and problems among the physically active. In his experience, there's so much exercises that address thigh muscles, and calf muscles, but not a lot of exercises on hamstrings. Knee exercises can do so much, but injuries on the left leg or pains when you switch legs can be addressed by hamstring exercises like the Nordic Curl. Start with your feet shoulder width apart on the NorBench, then slowly lower into the padding. Then, slowly bend back up to the starting straight leg position.

The Nordic Curl is one of the most effective strength exercises for the knee because it directly targets the hamstring muscles, which play a crucial role in knee stability. A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that Nordic Curls reduce the risk of hamstring injuries while improving knee joint function.

🔥 How it helps:

✅ Strengthens the hamstring muscles, which protect the knee

✅ Improves eccentric strength, helping control knee movements

✅ Enhances knee stability to prevent injuries from sudden stops and pivots

💡 Related Read: 5 Essential Knee Strengthening Exercises to Relieve Pain and Reduce Injury


2. Seated Leg Extensions – Bulletproof Your Quads

The leg extensions target one leg while the other leg rests. You can start with the left leg by wrapping the band on your left foot. You can also do two legs at a time when you stretch your legs straight on the same rep.

Your thigh muscles (quadriceps) act as shock absorbers for your knee joint. Seated Leg Extensions isolate these muscles, improving knee stability and reducing strain on the knee cap. Studies suggest that quadriceps strength is directly linked to reduced knee pain and better functional performance.

🔥 How it helps:

✅ Strengthens quadriceps to support and stabilize the knee

✅ Improves joint control, reducing stress on ligaments

✅ Helps with knee pain relief by reinforcing the patellar tendon

💡 Related Read: 5 Knee Strengthening Exercises for Basketball Players


3. Leg Curls – Balance the Strength in Your Knees

While Seated Leg Extensions work the front of the thigh, Leg Curls strengthen the hamstring muscles, which are just as critical for knee stability. Weak hamstrings can lead to muscle imbalances that increase the risk of knee injuries.

🔥 How it helps:

✅ Reinforces posterior knee support, preventing hyperextension

✅ Helps with muscle soreness recovery and reducing pain

✅ Strengthens the muscles around the knee for better movement mechanics

💡 Related Read: How to Improve Knee Mobility: Effective Exercises to Get You Moving Pain-Free


4. Landmine Reverse Lunge – Strength & Mobility in One Move

The Landmine Reverse Lunge is an advanced movement that challenges knee control, hip stability, and lower body strength. By using a landmine attachment, you add resistance while keeping the movement controlled and safe for the knees.

🔥 How it helps:

✅ Strengthens the quads, hamstrings, and glutes for knee support

✅ Improves knee conditioning through controlled, dynamic movement

✅ Enhances balance and coordination, reducing risk of falls and injury

💡 Related Read: 7 PT-Recommended Knee Pain Exercises You Can Do at Home


Build Knee Strength at Home with the NordBench

If you want to train your knees safely and effectively at home, the NordBench is built for the job. It’s designed to help you progress with Nordic Curls, Leg Extensions, and more—while keeping your knees supported.

🏋️‍♂️ Adjustable incline for assisted or advanced Nordic Curls

🏋️‍♂️ Secure foot placement for stable Landmine Reverse Lunges

🏋️‍♂️ Compact, durable, and built for knee conditioning exercises

💡 Related Read: 5 Knee Strength Exercises You Can Do at Home to Reduce Injury Risk

🔗 Ready to take your knee strength to the next level? Get your NordBench today and start training for stronger knees, reduced pain, and better movement.

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