swolen ankles and/or knees

kaysday

Hi all! I just started the strong lift 5x5 work outs about two weeks ago and have noticed swollen ankles and knees. I'm not sure if this is normal for repair or not. I have started my journey in August 2015 and have been focusing on cardio and cutting calories. Since then lost 50 pounds. Noticed some loose skin, so decided to started strength training. Not sure if my swelling is normal or not? Should I take a break from lifting all together or should I lower the weights?

SonyaCele

are you feeling any pain? are you drinking enough fluids, do you warm up your joints before you lift? are you resting days in between? Swollen joints isn't really normal. Lose skin is normal. Swollen muscles is normal for repair.

kaysday

They are a little sore. I drink plenty of water, about 10 cups a day. I do rest in between lift days. I do strength training on Wednesday Friday and sunday. No I haven't warmed up my joints before starting the routine. How exactly should I do that? Just do some stretches?

SonyaCele

do some mobility exercises, gentle stretching maybe, get your heart rate up a bit, pedal on a bike , stuff like that to just get the blood flowing to them. I wear sleeves on my knees to keep mine warm once i'm warmed up.

soreness is not good, unless you just started. If you just started you should take it easy , lower your weights, and go easy and give your joints and tendons a chance to toughen up. If you have persistent pain, you should see a DR.

kaysday

Thank you!!

powelld4

And PS: congratulations on your weight loss! Keep up the good work!