[SevenDown]

Hey ladies!!

So this week marks the forth week that I've been going to the gym. I've already lost between 10-12lbs and a couple of inches. GREAT!! Right? Well, recently, my feet have been cramping up, along with my knees, after about 30min on the treadmill. This was NOT happening in the weeks prior.

My husband suggested I was dehydrated, however I'm drinking at least 3 liters of water at work, and another 24-48oz while at the gym, with a protein drink (yuck!) after.

I'm stretching both before and after working out as well.

We're working out at last 5 days a week, and spend our first 30min on the tread mill, then weights in alternating muscle groups.

Any thoughts?

[nelie]

If you are sweating a lot, you may want to try an electrolyte. I use Ultima Replenisher. It could also be your shoes. Are you shoes fairly new? Did you get fitted at a running store for them?

[nonameslob]

Potassium? Try eating half a banana before a workout and see if that helps. Could also be shoes if they are worn down.

Question...are you running or walking?

[Defining]

I'd probably look at your gait pattern; foot fall, stride length, etc. Treadmills aren't particularly gentle on your lower body as is, so you may need to back off and make sure your technique is solid to prevent future injuries.

Kudos for a month of gym-ing!

[IanG]

You are a heavy runner so if you are running and not walking I would: i) check your shoes (get ones for heavy set runners); ii) take a supplement (glucosamine will help the knees); and iii) eat a lot of oily fish or take fish oil supplements (also helps the joints).

I would argue that you are not cramping up, you are just putting a lot of pressure on your joints. This will get easier with weightloss but the tricks above helped me run at my heavier weight.