Knee exercises are extremely useful and in time will definitely have a love of benefits. But a lot of folks may just be going through the exercise routines without really knowing what muscles are being toned and strengthened. So here’s a bit of information for you .

There actually so many muscles that actually support your knee and knee joint and hence get exercised during knee exercises. The key muscles that help can roughly be put in two groups : Hamstrings and Quadriceps.

Here’s a wikipedia definitionof the hamstring

a hamstring refers to one of the tendons that make up the borders of the space behind the knee. In modern anatomical contexts, however, they usually refer to the tendons of the semitendinosus, the semimembranosus, and the biceps femoris. In quadrupeds, it refers to the single large tendon found behind the knee or comparable area.

The key reason the hamstring is mentioned alot is that it connects and controls the hip and the knee, making it extremely important during knee exercises.

Whatever knee exercises you choose to do the hamstrings are some way or the other involved. They’re used for jumping, running and walking.

Also wikipedia defines the Quadriceps

The quadriceps femoris (quadriceps, quadriceps extensor, guads or quads) includes the four prevailing muscles on the front of the thigh. It is the great extensor muscle of the knee, forming a large fleshy mass which covers the front and sides of the femur.

One important role the quadriceps play is an everyday activity - standing up.Its also crucial for squatting walking and running

It may not be necessary to go into all the intricate details on how these muscles function, but its important to note that they are important, and are usually the focus in knee exercises.

A situation where one of these muscles is developed far more than the other is referred to as muscle imbalance. Its important to ensure that the knee exercises you engage in exercise both muscles. A physiotherapist could really help you choose the best knee exercises for you.