Hiking 2

[Headfry]

I have to 'hike' to keep my little boat upright in the wind.
I sit on the side of little boat and have my feet under a webbing strap, then lean out as far as I can. good for flat tummies! but, oh so bad for my knees....

What can I do to strengthen my knees?.....I don't want to give up on little boat.

[Winged one]

I had a floating patella years ago, and the physio used to make me walk up and down a little stairs made of phonebooks over and over, and do lots of squats too....don't know if that's the right kind of knees stuff for you, but they did help strengthen the muscles at the side of my knees.

Would love to get a little boat some one of these years....

[SMS6]

I am seriously

Where does hiking come in to it with boats? Am I missing some thing here.

[Birdie Wife]

Last time I was at the gym (which was a looooong time ago ) they had a machine where you put your knees behind a cushioned pad attached to weights. Theory being, push your lower legs out and strengthen your knees with the resistance of the weights. Could you rig something like that up in your own house maybe?

[Headfry]

sorry SMS6 -
Hiking is a term used in dinghy sailing when you have to lean out of the boat to keep it upright in somewhat windy conditions, its a known knee trasher!

[Alison]

I found that improving my core strength through pilates helped as by improving my abs etc I was supporting more of upper body on them rather than all through the knees. Squats would help with this as well.

[Flummery]

I think it depends on what's wrong with your knees. One of mine is arthritic and I think no amount of trying to strengthen it with excercise will help - it's just grinding away there - people can hear me coming! Especially up stairs.

[Alison]

Fair point there Flum, might be worth having them checked out at the docs to check that there is nothing more serious involved otherwise you could end up doing more harm than good.

[JennieAtkinson]

I do admire the sailors who hang out their boats (didn't know it was termed hiking!). We just get a bit of sail in and put in the kettle on!

Love to see a picture of Headfry, Headfry!

[Headfry]

oh no Flum poor you, yes mine too-my knee is awful going up stairs- Mr HF will not follow me as he says noise make him feel bad!
Jennie I will try and post a pic of Headfry! though I am not sure how to do so. last time I tried I had problems re-sizing
Do you have a brew on board? that would be heaven, I love being on board a boat, bliss.