For gentle exercise that can help with overall health and knee pain, consider low-impact activities such as:
Walking: A gentle walk, even if it’s just around the block, can help improve cardiovascular health without putting too much strain on the knees.
Swimming: The water supports the body and reduces strain on the joints while providing a full-body workout.
Cycling: Stationary or on a regular bike, cycling can be easier on the knees and still provide a good workout.
Chair Exercises: Seated exercises can be less taxing on the body and joints, such as seated leg lifts or chair marches.
Stretching and Flexibility Exercises: Gentle stretching can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension, which might help alleviate some knee discomfort.
Doing these activities together can not only be beneficial for his health but also a great way for you to support and motivate each other.
Exercise alone won’t lead to significant changes if you don’t address your diet.
The good news is that fat loss can occur through diet alone; exercise mainly speeds up the process. While exercise is crucial for building muscle and maintaining healthy joints, you might want to focus on adjusting your diet first to avoid overwhelming yourself and potentially quitting.
Start by eating whole foods with an emphasis on animal proteins and fats, and limit carbohydrates to prevent insulin spikes that can hinder fat loss. Avoid vegetable oils, especially seed oils. You can reintroduce carbs once you start exercising. Consider eating only once or twice a day and incorporate fasting for at least 20 hours daily.
You might find helpful information in subreddits like r/lowcarb, r/intermittentfasting, and r/stopeatingseedoils.
If he isn’t using them already, consider getting him some compression socks—available at Walmart or on Amazon. They can significantly improve the comfort of his lower legs. People who spend a lot of time on their feet, like nurses, doctors, and retail workers, often find them very beneficial. Additionally, he could try elasticized knee braces, which are like sleeves that provide extra support for the knees.