Ladies who were or are 230-ish!

What kind of work outs do you do? I weigh about 225 and I can not walk or run longer than a mile without severe cramping in my legs. What do/did you do? Has anyone else ever experienced something like this?

I was 237 years ago and had the same problem with leg cramping... I found that stretching my legs really well before and after every half mile, along with drinking a TON of water reduced the cramping.. and then, as you'd probably suspect, the more weight you lose, the less severe the cramping becomes.  Hope this helps a little :)

I weigh about 225 right now. I have been exercising for over a year so my legs are in pretty good shape. I dont get any cramping at all anymore. In the beginning I would get muscle spasms at night but thats about it.

Have you just started exercising? This may occur until your legs get the hang of it.

And remember to STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH!!

First things first, make sure you have new and good work out shoes!!! That is paramount.  My cousin is a personal trainer who could run miles and miles, but he said if he puts a bad pair of shoes on, he can't go a 1/2 mile with out cramps.

I was 265 11 months ago.  I'm 200 right now.  I have been doing the elliptical for 30-45 minutes each day (with a change up to the treadmill at an incline and decent speed, but I don't enjoy the treadmill as much.... I do find that I like a brisk walk but to get my heart rate up, I have to add in the higher incline).  After I am done with that cardio, I go to weights.  It is very important to add weights into your routine because muscle burns more calories than fat (fat burns almost nothing)... AND, your body burns calories reparing the muscles that you've worked out that day (that's called the "After Burn").

When I used to get cramping in the beginning... I would slow the speed and up the incline or resistence... My lungs had to get used to working out too or I got sharp pains... I also got sharp pains in my side.

Just know that the pains will go away as you continue to give it your all and train your body into exercising!  Make sure you have good shoes and make sure to work out within your ability.... but, don't wimp out! =)

Hope that helps!

I'm currently about 235 and also struggle with leg cramping and foot pain on the treadmill, even with really good shoes. I've found that I can work out a lot longer and harder on an elliptical or cross-trainer machine with almost no pains at all. I can average about 4.5 - 5mph on the elliptical, but only about 3.2 on the treadmill just due to the difference in leg and foot pain. I agree with what someone else said about weight training too. It is VERY important!!

I started around 219; possibly more.  I now weigh between 195 to 198- the pool has saved me.  I have screamy joints and this is the only way I could even begin moving into being healthier- jogging up and down  in the pool plus tons of stretching- knee to stomach.  This simple stretch works on easing up a tight lower spine.  My feet hurt from the impact of hitting the hard pool bottom but overall, working out in the pool is super sane.  I can't imagine jogging or running outside the pool- we do walk our dog most nights but getting above a walk sounds like a dream to me.  Good luck.

I weighed 225 in april of 06' currently I am 150.  I started out really slow.  I only commited to working out (cardio/ weight training) 3 times a week.  I only did cardio for 15 min to start and then did the circuit on my weights.  My cardio was either the bike or the elliptical.  After a month or so I decided to try a step class and it was good, it definatley upped my cardio.  Then probably about 4 months of that and my mom talked me into running with her.  Keep in mind I was completely against it, I mean running? I hate running and 3 miles at that... ewww.  After that first run I was in love.  It was hard and I felt like my chest was going to explode at one point but finishing the run without stopping once made me feel awesome.  Ever since then I've been a runner.  It really amped up my weight loss.  I now run 4 miles ever morning with my dog.  I'd like to get to 8 miles this year.  As far as my eating goes, I ate whatever I wanted as long as it totaled 1600 calories a day.  I would loose about 10-12 pounds a month.  Hope this helps...