Leg Workouts: Toning Thighs and Strengthening Knees

Toning legs and strengthening the knees requires targeted movements like vastus medialis exercises and lying straight leg raises. Discover safe leg workouts for bad knees and learn which cardio machines are best for joint health.

Exercises for Contracted Muscles Behind the Knee

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Crystal Welch

Hamstrings and calf muscles are directly behind your knee. Contracted muscles result from tension and can cause muscle cramps. Stretching is needed to reduce the contraction and increase the flexibility of these muscles. Range of motion exercises, or stretching, assist in warming up your muscles.

Crystal Welch has a 30-year writing history. Her more than 2,000 published works have been included in the health and fitness-related Wellness Directory, Earthdance Press and Higher Source. She is an award-winning writer who teaches whole foods cooking and has written a cookbook series. She operates an HON-code-certified health-related blog with more than 95,000 readers. Welch has a B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University.