[cathbro]

I have been walking at least 3 to 5 days a week 2 to 3 miles per session since Febuary on a horrible cement track. I just got a treadmill yesterday so I don't have to EVER go back to that uneven track. Well I walked 3 miles yesterday on the TM and when I got up this morning I have pain in both my calfs. It is kind of a muscle pain but my calfs also feel weak or something. I decided I had better walk anyway so I just walked 2 miles on it today. What can I do about this? Is it that I am just getting used to walking on a TM?

[cakses]

I don't know what that is but make sure you stretch afterward even if you're not sore. That should help keep the muscles looser. I had all sorts of aches and pains when I first started walking/running.

[GatorgalstuckinGA]

you really need to make sure you are stretching before and after. I usually walk for a few minutes at a slower pace. Then take a few minutes to stretch..ensuring to give the calves a good stretch. Make sure you do it after and see if it helps. Your muscle may be getting tight due to lack of stretching. Alos make sure you have good shoes

[chuckie]

I have just started jogging myself so i might not be much help, but what has worked for me is i strech before, during and after i do my walk / run. I have found that even while i'm walking after a run i start to tighten up a bit.

[cathbro]

No I did not stretch so I guess that is it. All I did was walk slow for about five minutes before and after walking. I never stretched on the cement track and I did not have a problem but you could only walk so fast there without tripping and breaking your neck. What are some good stretching exercises?

[aphil]

If you are wanting to stretch your calves, do one of the following:

~Get on a step, such as the first step on the staircase. While holding onto the rail to balance yourself, lower your heels below the step surface to lengthen and stretch the calve muscles. Hold for about 10-15 seconds.

~Place one foot a couple feet behind you. Slightly bend the front leg, and lean into the front thigh with your upper body a bit, using your hands on your thigh for balance. You should be flat footed on both feet, and feel a nice stretch in the back of the leg that is in back of you. Hold for 10-15 seconds. Switch legs and repeat. Adjust how far the back leg is to your own flexibility. Some will need a wider stance for a good stretch if they are more flexible.

[angeline]

You can find the two most common calf stretches plus a plethora of others on this website - all stretches are illustrated by Spiderman!?!?

http://www.topendsports.com/medicine/stretches/

Stretching and good quality supportive shoes.

Hope this helps.

[aphil]

I also wanted to add, that it is important to wear the correct type of shoes for the activity that you are doing. Wear running shoes for running, walking shoes for walking, etc.

This isn't such a big deal during regular activity (going to the store...) but when you are doing exercise, it is important. The shoes are made differently.