So I guess I am still not in shape?

I typically work out 4 or 5 times a week, cardio (turbo fire) and weights (gym). I have lost 73lbs in the last 2 years.

This weekend, I went to West Edmonton Mall. I walked, a lot. I noticed though, that I was actually sweating quite a bit (which okay)...but I also noticed that my legs were really sore and my knee was actually in a lot of pain by the end of the day. I had pain right on my left hip, and behind my knee (like back of the leg, behind the knee).

I was shocked, because I felt like I was actually in decent shape...but just walking for 3-4 hours (like shopping walking (2mph), not dedicated, 4/5mph walking) Kicked my *kitten*! Any insight to this? I figure maybe my exercising is just not practical - and the pain behind my knee was just so immense and concerning, by the time I went to bed, I could not even straighten my leg!

Replies

  • Littleenginefit
    Littleenginefit Posts: 1 Member
    Perhaps its an issue best addressed by a chiropractor. It only takes one joint to be off to throw your entire body out of whack.
  • klkarlen
    klkarlen Posts: 4,366 Member
    I will tell you that bad shoes may be a factor, and all that walking with changes in pace as you have to avoid walking into people can put more stress on your joints than a good steady pace in shoes made for walking.

    I get bad back aches from too much mall walking myself. Better shoes has helped.
  • dakotababy
    dakotababy Posts: 2,407 Member
    Perhaps its an issue best addressed by a chiropractor. It only takes one joint to be off to throw your entire body out of whack.

    I noticed when I do my 5k runs that my hips really hurt, despite doing hip flexor stretches before hand. It is mainly my left one. It feels like what I imagine arthritis to feel like. This pain only happens when I do my 5ks...and now when I walk for long periods of time as well.

    I was with my boyfriend, who is not in very good shape at all and he was fine, besides a blister he got from his sandals. He was not sweating, no pain (except slight foot soreness at the end of the day). I just dont understand how even though I work out regularly, it was like I could not keep up...and just the sweating and pain.
  • joshpass
    joshpass Posts: 82 Member
    if you normally do not walk much, then of course you are going to feel it. I have a very very sedentary job that unfortunately lasts many many hours of the day. The only exercise I get is when I do p90x for example in the morning before work. If you were to look at my body, nobody would say I'm out of shape. I have pretty darn good muscle definition (see my profile pic...). But if I go walking a lot or running or anything that is different then p90x, then it's a lot more difficult. The body just isn't used to it. I wouldn't say it's anything to worry about. I remember back when p90x came out and they put pro athlete's through it. Guess what? they got their *kitten* kicked usually. It's not that those pro athlete's were out of shape, obviously they weren't. They were just in shape with the workout routine and sport they played. Make sense?
  • dakotababy
    dakotababy Posts: 2,407 Member
    I will tell you that bad shoes may be a factor, and all that walking with changes in pace as you have to avoid walking into people can put more stress on your joints than a good steady pace in shoes made for walking.

    I get bad back aches from too much mall walking myself. Better shoes has helped.

    This is interesting that you mentioned it. Every time I had to dodge someone or go up on a slight slope, it would cause more pain in my hip. I wonder if I did more casual walking in malls would help, essentially make my workouts more practical.
  • TerryWise
    TerryWise Posts: 1 Member
    I would not worry too much about the sweating, as increased sweating in response to activity often is a signal of the body's increased ability to regulate its temperature, and is a good thing. With regard to the soreness in the knees and joints, I would consider the surface in which you were walking on versus that which you train on. Whereas a mall is home to hard concrete-esque walking surfaces, if you are like me your running and walking takes place mostly on cushioned tracks and treadmills with some give to them. As mentioned above, check your shoes and ensure the cushioning is up to par, and if need be consult your physician. P.S. Congrats on the weight loss.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Better shoes ya'll
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,251 Member
    Two things:
    1. Better shoes for walking are needed
    2. Different muscles being used, and muscles being used differently

    You walked for many hours. Good for you!
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    I'm guessing it could be something to do with the length of time and your shoes. Also, if you were carrying more shopping bags on one side than the other, perhaps it unbalanced you, adding to the problem. Running for 1 hour is still going to feel different to your body than walking for 4 hours. That doesn't mean you're not in shape! It just means that your body isn't used to it. Do you usually walk for 4 hours at a time? Most people would get tired at that point - I sometimes have this thing where I feel like my knees are hyper-extending (though they are not), but it goes away when I rest after the long walk that caused the discomfort.