Many students and clients of mine have asked me from time to time why it is their lower leg muscles seem to burn/hurt when they start walking and/or during exercise. There may be many reasons and I will cover some, briefly. If you experiecne real enduring pain for more than a few sessions you should go see your doctor.

What could it be # 1? Many people experience pain in their lower extremities when they are just beginning an exercise routine due to inadequate warm-up and limmerick stretching. In other words- a longer, slower warm-up may be necessary while including some half stretches for lower legs and foot flexion and rotation of ankle while warming- up at a much slower pace. 15 minutes is a good beginning "warm-up" amount of time. Let your muscles be your guide.

What could it be # 2? Pain and/or soreness of lower legs could be inadequate stretching at the end of your workout. Make sure you hold lower leg stretches for a minimum of 15 seconds per stretch. You may want to perform the stretch exercise up to 3 times too!

What could it be # 3? Sometimes circulation problems may play role in the pain department. Try elevating your legs a bit higher than your heart, in an easy chair or with pillows under you legs lying down for 30 minutes or so before going to sleep each night.
This is also good if you have trouble with your ankles or feet swelling.

What could it be # 4? Shoes... shoes... shoes---if you use same pair for everything including workouts--you better be into a new pair every 3 months or so. If you use a pair just for activity, you may get 4-6 months use out of them. Different strokes for different folks? If that is true then same goes for shoes. Athletic shoe technology has come a long way baby! A walking show is different than a running shoe which is different than a shoe good for indoor aerobics classes---you do not have to spend tons of money on a good shoe, but you do need a quality product that helps your feet and legs not hurts!

Side/last note!
I can not say enough about getting regular massage sessions in with a qualified professional! At 45 years old, teaching 15 plus classes each week with a bit of arthritis to boot-(not to mention, I am a short-blonde- chunky-chick) I would be lost without my massage therapist! (All Hail to Paul!) Make sure you check credentials---if you need a referral and are anywhere near me in Chicago---let me know!

If you are doing all of the aboves over 2-4 week period and still have pain--YOU NEED TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR PRONTO! Pain is a signal from your body to your brain to you (or is that the other way around--ha ha!) that something is not right!! So do not ignore the pain--listen to your body! It really is a miracle machine and deserves your attention and care!

Wish us luck and fun as we open in the City of Chicago tomorrow 9/16/03 at 6:30 pm at Ebenezer Lutheran Church! Ya-hooo!
Love, Dee

ps--This one is for you too -Penny B! Love ya!