Good muscle strength helps stabilize the joints and prevents abnormal motion that causes arthritis. A University of Iowa study showed that thigh muscle strength didn’t predict who would get arthritis, but did predict who would develop sore, stiff knees. Good thigh muscle strength reduced kneecap cartilage loss, pain, and disability. Those with the greatest strength also had the best knee joint function. Building all the muscles in the lower-body (front and back) is the best way to maintain healthy, pain-free joints. (Arthritis Care & Research, 61: 1210-1217, 2009)