Excess weight is strongly linked with knee pain. Being obese increases pressure on the knee joint, potentially leading to pain, inflammation, and a higher risk of osteoarthritis. When you exercise to lose weight, cross training is a good way to avoid knee pain. You can vary your exercise by running one day, swimming the next, and doing some strength training the day after that. This way, you use different muscles or at least use the same muscles in different ways. Be careful not to overdo if you are already dealing with knee discomfort. If you do feel knee pain coming on, cut back on your exercise routine or switch to an activity that doesn’t aggravate the situation. It’s best to contact a qualified personal trainer to ensure that your form and technique are correct.