I'm a physiotherapist — these are the 3 exercises I'd never skip to keep your knees strong as you age

(Image credit: One Body LDN)

Knee pain is no joke. At 35, so far, I've just about managed to avoid it, but my stepmom, who was a professional runner when she was younger, has been plagued with it. Not only does it limit the range of motion, strength and stability you have available, but it can also limit the types of sports, exercises and activities you can enjoy.For that reason, I turned to physiotherapist and co-founder of One Body LDN, Rebecca Bossick, who kindly shared three knee-strengthening exercises she swears by. Check them out below, as well as some benefits and how to do each one step-by-step.3 knee exercises from a physiotherapistHere they are. 1. Sit-to-stands

(Image credit: Shutterstock)"The sit-to-stand trains the primary muscle groups that take the load of your knee joint during everyday movements, including the quadriceps, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, core (abdominals and lower back) and calves," says Bossick."If you're managing existing knee pain, don't go past 90 degrees of bend, but if you're pain-free and building strength, work towards a deeper squat over time."Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground and slightly in front of your knees.Lean your chest forward and push through your heels to lift yourself up, trying not to use your hands for momentum.When you’re in the standing position, lean back and control the movement down, not just dropping into the seat.Progress into a bodyweight squat without the chair when you feel comfortable, keeping your knees tracking over your toes rather than caving inward.Aim for 3 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, three or four times a week.2. Step-ups