đźš« Why Your Knees Hurt, And What To Do About It

PLUS: "You Need to Stretch Before Every Workout"

Welcome to your modern fitness daily news report! Every weekday, we break down the trending fitness news, tips, and insider scoops to keep you informed. Each read will be under 3 minutes so that you can stay shredded and thumb through no-nonsense fit-quips. Thanks for reading!

TODAY’S LEVEL UP:

  • Coach’s Corner: Why your knees hurt, and what to do about it

  • Myth or Must: “You need to stretch before every workout.”

  • Question from Our Readers: “How much cardio is too much for fat loss?”

  • Fit Trivia: What classic action movie actor holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Why Your Knees Hurt, And What To Do About It

Knee pain isn’t just about “getting older.” In many cases, it’s a movement issue, not an age issue.

Here’s what’s often behind it:

  • Weak glutes or quads: When these muscles are underdeveloped, your knees compensate and take on extra stress.

  • Tight hips or ankles: Limited mobility in nearby joints changes how you walk, squat, and move, putting strain on the knees.

  • Poor form: Letting your knees collapse inward during squats or lunges can cause pain over time.

What to do:

Focus on glute bridges, step-ups, and bodyweight squats with proper form. Foam roll your quads and work on ankle mobility. And if pain persists, see a pro. But don’t just stop training!

FROM RYAN’S DESK

Distraction is everywhere. Focus is your advantage. Cut out the noise, tighten your priorities, and commit to what matters. Focus directs energy; energy creates momentum. Be the guy who locks in. That’s how progress accelerates.

Myth or Must? "You Need to Stretch Before Every Workout"

Myth (mostly).

Stretching before a workout isn’t always necessary, and in some cases, it can actually reduce strength. What your body needs instead is a dynamic warm-up to raise your heart rate and prep your joints.

Try this instead:

  • Arm circles

  • Leg swings

  • Bodyweight lunges

  • Light cardio for 3–5 minutes

Save the long static stretches for after your workout or on recovery days.

Question from Our Readers:

“I’ve been doing cardio 5–6 days a week, but my fat loss has stalled. Am I doing too much?”

— Brandon, 46, San Diego, CA

Good insight, Brandon—and yes, sometimes more isn’t better.

Too much cardio, especially long steady-state sessions, can:

  • Raise cortisol levels (which increases belly fat)

  • Eat into your recovery

  • Cause your body to adapt and burn fewer calories over time

Try cutting back to 3–4 cardio sessions per week and replace the rest with strength training and walking. You'll likely see better fat loss results and feel more energized, too.

Fit Trivia: Which classic action star is a legit black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Answer: Keanu Reeves! While many know him as Neo or John Wick, Keanu trained extensively in martial arts and earned a black belt in BJJ. He does most of his own stunts and takes his training seriously, making him one of Hollywood’s most legit action heroes.

Ryan Engel, Intl. Fat Loss Coach

Ryan is a leading fitness coach and one of the most known professionals in the space.

He specializes in Body Recomposition and visual body aesthetics and has reached millions worldwide with his powerful messaging. He brings a unique, non-nonsense, yet sophisticated approach to body change.

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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