Hi,
I've been lurking for about 4 months now. I've been inspired by so many of you. You all are so knowledgeable regarding training, and I am so impressed with all of you. I started out wanting to just lose weight. I talked my husband into purchasing a treadmill the end of January this year. I started out slow (3 mph, no incline, 30 minutes, 3 days/week), so I wouldn't cause an injury. I built up over two and a half months to a 5 mph jog, 40-45 minutes, 5 days/week without a problem. Then...developed plantar fasciitis. I've had this problem for 7 weeks now and it's really been disheartening. So, I got my son's weightbench out of the attic and I've been teaching myself the art of resistance training by following the animated exercises on body for life's site. I am 51, 5'5", with a bodyfat of 33% according to the scale I bought. I weighed 154 on Feb. 1st, 2005 and now weight 146. I log my food each day in fitday (thanks to finding that advice here on the forum). I usually consume 1100 - 1300 calories/day. Now that I cannot use the treadmill, will weight training help me burn fat? Thanks for any replies.
Pam

Planar fascitis is no problem. I had it.

Go see a good podiatrist. If he/she is worth their salt, they'll give you some anti-inflammatories. Ask about a pair of over-the-counter orthotics called Spenco inserts. Most podiatrists carry these or some variation, a pair will run you about $30. I have a pair of them and in the past year since I got them, I've never had a problem with my feet since starting to wear them. My only regret is I haven't gotten a second pair, so I have to switch shoes all the time.

With meds and rest, it'll take about a week for a severe case of PF to subside. Rest your feet that week or it won't go away. Just plan to take a week off from working out and keep your calories low while you're away from exercise.

When you're healed, jump back on the treadmill and you'll be fine. It's the only form of cardio I use and with my orthotics, my feet are happy.

-R

Thanks Bluestreak,
Actually I went to my chiropractor and he sent me to a specialty shoe store with a knowledgeable staff. I purchased better shoes and superfeet inserts. I'm taking 600 mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours. So, I'll just stay off the treadmill for a while so this can heal.
I appreciate your response, thanks.
Pam

Now that I cannot use the treadmill, will weight training help me burn fat? Thanks for any replies.
Pam

Absolutely! Yes, yes, yes. Weight training will increase your muscle size and that will increase the number of calories your body consumes just by existing. So, you'll be burning more calories 24-hours/day! Please do not be afraid when I say "bigger muscles." Your muscles will not grow to un-naturally huge sizes overnight. Muscles are very dense, which means that a tiny increase in size can make a big difference in burning fat and in lifting weights. It is very, very difficult to look like a body builder -- you are in no danger of that.

In fact, for people who want to lose fat, I suggest a good diet is the most important thing -- you've already got that down, I think. The next most important thing is weight lifting. Building muscles. For fat loss, this is more helpful than cardio. If I had to choose between weight lifting and cardio -- weight lifting always wins if the goal is fat loss. So, yes, yes, yes. You can burn fat!

Welcome to the forums. Glad you're here. I'm sorry to hear about your injury -- what a bummer! And you were doing so well, too. You've made good progress so far, I'm sure you'll continue to make progress with diet and weight lifting even if cardio is out for the time being. :gl:

Thanks for the quick reply! I am encouraged by your note and will continue to "teach" myself how to lift weights and burn fat. I've been eating much better since I've been lurking here. I didn't know how much I could love cottage cheese!
Pam

I to developed plantar fasciitis form walking on my treadmill. My pediatrist said I would need cortazone(sp) shots into the botom of my foot..... NO THANKS. I did some research and found that a common cause is curling your toes when you walk. I made a very consous effoet to extend my toes when I walked and it was gone in a week. this is what worked for me, everyone is different.
good luck.

Ken

Thanks for the tip. I'll be aware of it next time I'm on the treadmill. I did 23 minutes last night at 4 mph and the pain didn't increase. It's been so many weeks of pain, it makes me mad. I've recently been using a pilates stretch band in the morning to pull my toes back towards my knee before I get out of bed to stretch my foot. It helps take away the killing pain when I first step on my foot in the a.m. I guess I should stay off the treadmill entirely for a month or so. The longest I've stayed off is 10 days and it didn't help much at all. I don't want cortisone injections, so I will keep using the superfeet inserts and will make sure my toes are pointing forward, not curled!
Thanks,
Pam