Expert: Ken Alan - 3/29/2007

Question
I am trying hard to lose weight.  I am going through menopause and it's so hard to lose weight!  I bought some ankle weights and walked about 1.5 miles tonight and now my mid and lower back hurt.  Could that be related to the ankle weights?  Thanks for your insight.

Answer
Donna,
Glad you're motivated to watch your weight.  Sounds like the lower back pain may be do to the ankle weights.  But if you haven't been walking at all, it could be do to the fact that you did a lot for the first time.  

In general, it's not a good idea to wear ankle weights for cardio exercise.  Use them for strength training exercises where the movement is slower and more controlled.  Throwing around extra weight at the bottom of your leg with every step is something the body isn't used to doing, and may be something your body gets used to, or, it may be something your body says, "ouch" at.  Hopefully you haven't worn them for walking since that first time.  If you want to get more out of your walk, just pick up the pace or pick up a pair of Nordic Walking poles.  They are safer to use and can increase the caloric burn of your walk.  [www.leki.com]

Hope this helps, and keep on exercising.

Hope this helps.