treadmill exercises question

[Guest guest]

Hi Joana,

By walking on the treadmill, you just may have given non-atrophied

muscles a chance to compensate for weaker ones, and thus built up your

calf muscles. Or maybe you don't even have atrophy and have just built up your

leg muscles. Not everyone with CMT has leg atrophy. I don't know about the

distance you mentioned, but when I lived in L.A., I'd take the dog for a 2 mile

walk each morning - some city blocks/some neighborhood hills for my legs.

Something else to try on the treadmill, try walking backwards. Good for building

calf muscles too. Or when you're in Brazil, walk backwards in the sand on the

beach.

Walking backwards in the pool too has had a good effect on my balance too.

Backwards walking uses different muscles that forward walking.

As for walking on the treadmill strengthening your feet - it stands to

reason, I think, this is possible, especially if you don't have atrophy

or weak ankles. If you are picking up each foot and placing it down in a

heel-toe gait, this is good - muscles are working.

I do feel it is a MUST to wear supportive shoes when walking - something to

absorb the shock. I realize treadmills are different than the streets or hills I

walk, but before my custom orthotics, I'd wear some Spenco insoles inside my

shoes. Our feet do alot of work for us, we must be kind to them.

~ Gretchen