Other exercises you can try:
- Leg lifts: Lie down on your stomach. Then lift your left leg as high and far as possible from the floor. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat with the opposite leg.
- Leg rotations: Lie down on your stomach and lift both your legs off the floor. Then twist your left knee towards your right shoulder, so your left leg rotates around. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then repeat with the opposite leg.
- Calf stretch: Stand straight and stretch out one leg. Then bend down towards the ground until your leg is parallel to the floor. Your other leg should be straight. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and repeat with the opposite leg.
Then, you can strengthen the thigh muscles by walking and swimming, doing sit-ups, squats, lunges, or using a gym machine such as a leg press. Which one is better for you? It depends on your age and baseline musculoskeletal conditions. Thus, asking your doctor if you’re unsure is a good idea. Walking is a good start, but swimming is the best exercise if you’re obese or have fragile bones. That’s because the buoyancy of water can help support your weight, making your leg exercises easier to carry on and reducing the burden on the rest of your body.