AboutScott Demaree Expertise I can answer questions about training, physiology, nutrition, technique, equipment and injury prevention. My background is not medical, so I will not be able to answer detailed questions about injury treatment. However, during 30 years of endurance exercise I have had a few injuries so I feel qualified to talk about things that have worked for me and others.
Experience I have been a long distance runner since 1978 and took up racewalking in 1982. More recently, I have worked as a certified personal trainer helping people with a wide range of exercise needs. Last year, I coached several people to successfully finish the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk in Dallas (60 miles in three days).
Organizations American College of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Science Teachers Association
Publications Journal articles associated with my graduate work with me as the primary author were published in the Journal of Nutrition, Acta Physiologica Scandanavica. Additionally, I co-authored the chapter on exercise metabolism in ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 4th Edition. Finally. I co-authored a book for beginning marathon runners (Marathoning 101).
Education/Credentials I have recent Master's degrees in Exercise Science from Wichita State University and Nutrition from Texas A&M University.
Awards and Honors I won national championships in the 1986 100-Kilometer Racewalk and the 1989 24-Hour Run.
Expert: Scott Demaree Date: 6/4/2008 Subject: Walking lightning
Question Hello Scott,
I was wondering about walking as an exercise. Sometimes I go for as little as a 20 minute walk and when I get home it feels like shocks or little muscle spasms are going on in my legs. It's not painful but I was wondering what is going on. Do you know if its an indication that I am working the muscles?
Ok thanks...for your help.
Shelly
Answer I experience the same thing sometimes when I extend my workouts longer than usual. It is definitely an indicator that you are stressing and maybe overstressing the muscles. Depending on your weight and conditioning, it might be better for you to start with less, then gradually increase your walking time.
