Hi guys! Sorry, again I am not sure if I am posting this in the right place.

I need help though - on Saturdays I climbed up and down my front steps for 30 minutes because I had this "brilliant" plan that I could use that as my cardio workout and still be right outside watching the kids instead of having to go off to the gym or run around my neighborhood. Of course - I woke up yesterday morning unable to walk because of how sore my calf muscles are.

So my questions - anybody have any advice on how to care for these sore muscles? Any idea how long this soreness will last for? Any ideas for cardio workouts that I could do that I do not need to really engage my calf muscles so I can continue to burn calories while healing? Finally - any ideas for an outdoor workout that I can do while home with the kids?

Thanks guys! I really appreciate it. I only have computer access at work and all day yesterday I couldn't wait to get on here and ask you guys. You are all wonderful!

If it is just an ache and not a sharp pain probably your calves are just protesting about the work. It should go away in a day or two. Do some light stretching in the meantime. Try doing the stairs every other day to give your calves a break and make sure to stretch AFTER your workout while the muscles are loose.

As for other ideas...Jump rope is supposed to be good for you but probably would also be tough on your calves. Maybe tag with the kids if they are old enough for this. Think of it as running intervals! Could you maybe do a yoga type workout on the grass while they are playing? Or one of those programs in the fitness mags that are 5-10 excercises and all you need is hand weights...

Hart -- If your calves are excruciatingly sore, ice and rest them. You could also walk with your kids, get yourself and the kids a bike and bike together. Congrats on the stair workout though keep doing it as it is a great workout, when your calves get better and stretch after all workouts...