Leg Press & severe foot cramp!

jennoskcaj · 02-28-2008, 08:46 AM

I've been experiencing a debilitating foot cramp in my left foot everytime I do the leg press (the one where you're lying down, pushing the weight up at an angle). I've tried lightening the weight, even to the point of cutting it in half, but it happened again yesterday. It takes at least 10 minutes to go away and leaves me with a sore foot afterwards (in the arch of the foot).

Any ideas what's causing this or how to prevent it? I don't want to give up this machine because I think it's a great part of my leg workout. Any advice is appreciated.

IronAbrams · 02-28-2008, 08:53 AM

Are you flat footed? It happens to me A LOT during lunges/split squats because my arch is so tight and weak.

Focus on calf stretching (gastroc and soleus). Another thing you can do at home is rolling a tennis or golf ball under your arch to loosen the fascia. It's incredibly painful at first but it helps.

magnumpeanut · 02-28-2008, 09:09 AM

After doing squats my foot cramps up bad. The best stretch to do before is reaching up the wall and placing the heel on the floor and the toes up the wall and apply pressure. It helps me out anyways.

DJAuto · 02-28-2008, 09:52 AM

Several things:

1. Check your shoes. If the sole is uneven or torn, purchase a new pair.
2. It may be as simple as needing rest. Our connective tissues take longer to adapt than muscle.
3. Make sure your stance is proper and you're pushing through the heels, not toes.

jennoskcaj · 02-28-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJAuto

Several things:

1. Check your shoes. If the sole is uneven or torn, purchase a new pair.
2. It may be as simple as needing rest. Our connective tissues take longer to adapt than muscle.
3. Make sure your stance is proper and you're pushing through the heels, not toes.

Hmmm...I think #3 is what might be causing this. I actually place my feet on the bend in the platform, which is probably making me push from the toes rather than the heels.

I'll also try doing the stretching and tennis ball thing that was suggested as well (this may help with the after-cramp soreness I'm feeling). My feet are more "overly arched" than flat. This is probably just as problematic, I'm guessing. Thanks for the suggestions.

90redlx · 02-28-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJAuto

Several things:

1. Check your shoes. If the sole is uneven or torn, purchase a new pair.
2. It may be as simple as needing rest. Our connective tissues take longer to adapt than muscle.
3. Make sure your stance is proper and you're pushing through the heels, not toes.

Good advice!!! I used to have the same problem on certain exercises. I sometimes get cramps when I do calves, but rarely anymore. I think in my case it was a combo of #2&3, and I'm flat footed.