So I’m in my 4th week on the SMSM program and I’m doing quite well. Only problem is that I’m experiencing some pain. I’m a heavy girl, and was even heavier for quite some time before losing a lot of weight last year. I’m dealing with all sorts of little pains in my lower body while trying to do an hour a day of walking on the treadmill. My feet, right knee, hips require some recovery time i guess.

problem is I like doing my long walks on the treadmill every morning. It’s a great workout, really easy to do and makes me sweat. As I lose the pounds I know most of the pains will go away. Is it ok to take an aspirin in the mornings before my workout to take the edge off? is there anything else than can help speed up recovery time from long exercise sessions? This would happen just until I lost enough weight to not be putting so much strain on my body with exercise.

Thanks a bunch, RC

RC, try different exercises, repetitive stress on muscles and bones will cause pain, thats why weight lifters train different muscle groups, and do the alternating day thing.

hey Cycle chick

I have found the treadmill has been hard on my knees too.  I am taking a break from it for a few weeks and sticking to cardio with no impact. (Elliptical, bike and swimming) When I go back I’m going to try it with no incline first to see how my knees react.  I find I can still do all the weight bering exercises in my lifting program, and my trainer said today to stay away from even the ellipt, but it really is my favourite and doesn’t seem too hard on my knees.

I’m no expert on drugs, but Ibuprofin (sp?) is also an anti - inflamatory which might help more.  You might try icing your knees if they are really sore. No more than 10 min with the ice on.

Good luck and don’t let this discourage you!!  Just keep moving!