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Question
13 Aug 2007
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Weak hamstring
Hi. I've just started gyming, but noticed that my feet and especially ankles are extremely painful after a workout. My gym buddy suggests it's nothing to worry about I just have weak hamstrings. Is this correct? What can I do to strengthen them?
FitnessDoc
Hi Michelle
Not 100% sure that it's weak hamstrings. that might be a problem, but there are others that are more likely to be the cause. I'd have thought weak ankles is the better candidate, only because that's what is directly affected!
I think that the problem might not be anything to worry about, given that you're just starting out. It's not unusual for the body to have this reaction, because remember, you're now loading joints and muscles that never used to be loaded. So some stiffness and pain is inevitable. What you need to be careful about is overdoing it. I would back off, whether it means lighter weights, or less time on the cardio, or easier cardio, I don't know - I'm not sure what you are doing that might cause this.
But I think just back off the session for a week or so and see how it goes, I suspect it's just overload. Then the training willl be manageable and you will be able to strengthen the joints through training.
Good luck
Not 100% sure that it's weak hamstrings. that might be a problem, but there are others that are more likely to be the cause. I'd have thought weak ankles is the better candidate, only because that's what is directly affected!
I think that the problem might not be anything to worry about, given that you're just starting out. It's not unusual for the body to have this reaction, because remember, you're now loading joints and muscles that never used to be loaded. So some stiffness and pain is inevitable. What you need to be careful about is overdoing it. I would back off, whether it means lighter weights, or less time on the cardio, or easier cardio, I don't know - I'm not sure what you are doing that might cause this.
But I think just back off the session for a week or so and see how it goes, I suspect it's just overload. Then the training willl be manageable and you will be able to strengthen the joints through training.
Good luck
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