Hard time with calves...

jsecret

Just about every exercise cardio wise seems to require me being in a tippy toe kind of position. (Jumping jacks, jogging, jump roping, etc.) The problem is that my main form of exercise since forever has been horse back riding which requires me to keep my heels down and toes up the entire time. I have well muscled calves but they are used to being worked in this heel down/toe up position which means when I try to work out in the tippy toe position (I've been doing the 30 day shred) they cramp up almost instantly and really hurt. Any advice?

okcat4

elliptical is better and should be done relatively flat footed. and swimming; I know the calf ache you are referring too. I strongly urge you to begin some stretches for that. Sounds like you have kind of done the opposite of the stiletto wearers and need to strengthen the opposite muscles when possible. But those calf cramps are killer!