KNEES IN PAIN AGAIN

I skipped the gym today because my knees are really hurting. I keep trying to use the elliptical machines to vary my work outs and I think I need to give it up. There is something about the mechanics that just does not work for me.

I am fine when I am working out, but later I have been having severe pain just to the inside of my kneecaps. Very bad, not the usual achy kind of pain, sharp pain. So - no more elliptical machine.

I am going to spend more time with the weights. I am feeling the need to firm now that the weather is warmer and I am starting to slim off the layers of fat. So I will do my own circuit training workout with aerobic intervals between the weights.

Now I need to make a new iPod gym mix for that kind of workout...

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

First I got sick - then I got self-indulgent. Ok? Leave me alone!

I did manage to get my Kaiser doc to set me up for some x-rays, physical therapy and a visit with the podiatrist. Pretty much anything to get me out of her exam room. Geez, that woman allows about 3.5 minutes and then she is outta there...

The podiatrist was great, very informative and helpful. I have some arthritis in the joints on the top of my foot, and without additional arch support, I am getting that occasional pain and major swelling. So she recommended inserts from the pharmacy which have been very effective except that they don't fit in my little flats. I need to go back and get the thinnest size and see if those will work. Otherwise, I will just wear the cute little flats for very short periods of time. Aging has very little room for cute.

Then I went to the physical therapist. Turns out that the pain I have had in my hip and down the side of my leg is due to a disc in my lower back which is being pushed out of place. I have a couple of exercises to start with and I start "Spine Classes" next week. I also have a little posture correction to work on. I feel much better having a diagnosis and plan. For nearly a year I have been worried about having a hip replacement or something. This is much more manageable.

So I was back to the gym and working out with inserts in my shoes, some new moves and my mind on spring coming soon and the clothes I can't yet zip...

Ow

I went to the gym with Maggie on Sunday and I guess I over did it. I was on the stepper for 40 minutes, which is about average time-wise. But I was all hyped up and I was going fast.

I stretched out a lot after, but didn't go into the steam or whirlpool or even shower right away. By the time I showered and went to bed - I was in major achy mode. And my foot hurt - really sharp pain. Even 3 Advil did not sooth the pains enough to go to sleep. Took sleep med at 1 a.m.

I've got to ease into this...