Calf muscles..ouchie...

[Crazee1]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this forum. I just started getting back into exercising after 2-3 years of "slacking" off. My old routine used to consist mostly of the Firm videos, but this time around I needed a change and found Cathe's videos to be awesome. I have Power Hour, MIS, and Body Max, and those I can do fairly well. BUT...when it comes to the aerobics (Xtrain Xpress videos, Circuit Max) it never fails, I always have to end the workout early because I get a sharp pain in my calf and the pain lasts for a few days. It's like a sharp pain that turns into an annoying cramp! YIKES!
I've added more calf stretches prior to working out but it doesn't seem to help. Has anyone else here experienced this? It's so frustrating to have to end a workout early because of pain, and I need the cardio (need to lose 10 pounds!).

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

-Lisa

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Lisa! Nice to meet you.

Your calf cramping may simply be due to taking on too much too soon. If the cardio workouts are new to you, you are most likely performing the workouts with a certain amount of hesitancy. This would show itself in the way of quick turns, excessive stop and go in a multitude of directions, and unpolished technique due to lack of knowing what to expect. These types of movements can be very demanding on the calf muscle while the toes may curl up in your shoes to help keep the balance during all of this jerky movement. Should this be the case, be sure to warm up longer, take on smaller segments at a time until you are more familiar with the choreography, and stretch the calves for about 2 minutes after the workout.

Another thing to consider is if you are hydrated enough. Dehydration is a common cause of cramping in the muscles. Proper sodium and potassium intake are also important for these reasons.

Good Luck!

 

[Crazee1]

Thanks for advice Cathe!

Yes, I must admit, I'm anything but graceful trying to learn the steps and I do stop and "refocus" myself a lot during the cardio sections. I think I should also just keep the step down to 4" until I get the routines down.

Lisa