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1415174 tn?1453243103

leg gave out during exercise

I have been out of shape (deconditioned) and sitting for several years due to several injurines. I have been walking 2 miles a day but then I joined a gym and got a personal master trainer. He has been working with me twice a week for two months now. I have been doing very well. But today I had eaten breakfast (whole grain cereal, banana and soy milk) and had 3 cups of herbal tea  and two glasses of water before I went to him and I did about 3 sets of ten dead lifts of 5 lbs then 18 lbs. Then he had be do step ups right after and I was fine with my right leg but as soon as I stepped up with my left leg my leg lost all strength and I fell backwards and on my butt. Luckily I didn't get hurt. I am worried this may happen again. I am on some meds and my blood pressure is low and blood sugar is low (not hypoglycemic just low.

What can be the cause of the leg giving out? Is is that I did too much without taking a long enough brake and that leg isn't as strong? Does this happen when people are body building that their muscles can give out? Or do I have some neurological problem? I am seeing a neurologist for my migraines and she did a physical on me and I am normal on the physical. My low back MRI is normal.

thanks,
mkh9
Best Answer
Avatar universal
Glycogen is a type of glucose that is stored in the liver and muscles, and is used for fuel during exercise. As with other forms of body fuel, glycogen stores can become depleted during physical activity -- especially when it lasts longer than 60 minutes or is performed at a high intensity. As glycogen stores decrease, exercisers may experience weakness in their legs and other muscle groups. Eating a small snack that contains healthy carbohydrates before an exercise session, or consuming glucose-based substances during extended or intense physical activity, can be an effective way to prevent glycogen.
Dehydration is also associated with leg weakness after exercise, reports the American College of Sports Medicine. In fact, muscles are composed of nearly 80 percent water, so it should come as no surprise that low fluid stores can lead to serious dysfunctions. As dehydration occurs, working muscles experience difficulty contracting in their usual pattern, thus resulting in leg weakness, cramps, and numbness or tingling. Drink at least 8 ounces of water before starting to exercise, and replace each pound of weight lost during activity with another 8 ounces, recommends the American Council on Exercise. In addition, consume at least half of your body weight in fluid ounces over the course of a day to meet minimal dietary requirements.
Over-training syndrome occurs as a result of excessive physical activity and limited recovery time, and may produce leg weakness in individuals who rely excessively on this muscle group, including cyclists and runners. According to Rice University, over-training may be caused by decreases in testosterone, increases in muscular breakdown and changes in immune system function. In most cases, rest is the best form of treatment for individuals who are suffering from over-training syndrome. Depending on the severity of the over-training syndrome, exercisers may need a few days or several weeks to regain leg strength and return to previous levels of performance.
Along with fluid, electrolytes -- like sodium and potassium -- play an important role in muscular contraction. When electrolyte stores are low, then, exercisers may experience weakness in their legs and other muscle groups. While most exercisers get all of the electrolytes that they need with a balanced diet, individuals who engage in extended or intense bouts of activity may need to supplement body stores. Consider the use of electrolyte replacement drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, if you exercise more than 60 minutes, live in a very warm climate, or perform high-intensity activity on a regular basis.
Talk to your doctor about my post.
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Avatar universal
The 30 to 45 minutes after you hit the gym is nearly as important as the time you put in there. "Your muscles need protein to repair and rebuild the tissue that's broken down when you work out, and they're primed to use it most efficiently during this recovery window.

Restoring your levels of glycogen, the body's primary fuel source during sweat sessions, and taming muscle inflammation. Reach for the following foods to make the most of your hard work.

High adrenaline levels after intense exercise can mess with your appetite, which may make liquids more appealing than solids.
A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that when exercisers supplemented resistance training with whey protein, they saw an average increase in lean body mass of 4.9 pounds.
yogurt is also an excellent source of leucine, an amino acid the most promising one, research-wise, it enhances muscle growth after you exercise.
physical activity can decrease your body's stores of choline, a nutrient that's involved in muscle control, memory, and the transportation of fat to your liver. One egg contains 126 milligrams, or about a quarter of the amount you need in a day, plus six grams of protein.
Cottage cheese is creamy, low-sodium, and contains 24 grams of protein per cup. Glycogen is carried from your blood to your muscles more rapidly when you combine caffeine with carbs afterward, shows a 2008 study in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
Restoring your potassium reserves can help prevent involuntary muscle contraction, or cramping, a half an avocado contains 488 milligrams. Plus, a Loma Linda University study found that people who ate that amount with lunch were 40 percent less hungry three hours later than those whose midday meal didn't include avocado.
Tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may reduce exercise-induced muscle inflammation, according to a 2011 study in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. limit your intake to no more than five times a week because of Mercury.
Indiana University found that cyclists who refueled with chocolate milk were able to work out out for 50 percent longer the next time they got back on their bikes compared to those who swigged a carb-replacement drink. The chocolate helps relax your arteries, increasing bloodflow to your muscles. Just watch out for brands with added sugar.
Dried beef, pork, and turkey, are easy to take. And the newer versions from brands like Krave and SlantShack are nitrite-free and have less sodium and cholesterol than your standard Slim Jim. (Jerky). I make Salmon Jerky! Turmeric, curcumin, which a 2014 study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress. Blend a half teaspoon of ground turmeric into a smoothie made with frozen mango or pineapple. I love Turmeric!
Check my journal for a list of great smoothies.




















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1415174 tn?1453243103
Hi gymdandee,
Thanks so much for replying to my post. I only worked out for about 30 minutes when this happened but I am out of shape and it was a intense workout for me. I am also on a drug (trokendi XR) that can give you metabolic acidosis. But they claim it is only when you first use the drug but to keep hydrated. Well I had been hydrated before and had a big bowl of cereal. But I think I will have to buy some sports drink to bring with me and take longer breaks. So eating carbs before not protein is better? It was like I put my leg on the stair and then I lost all strength in the leg and fell. There was nothing to hold me up.  But after I sat for a short while I was able to finish my exercises and when I walked down the stairs I felt weak on both legs and tired. So I think it sounds like what you are saying. I will talk to my doc about your post. Also the trainer. He did ask me if I had enough water today and if I had eaten and I had. But I think this is a lot for me so I'm going to have to either back off or up my nutrients. If you have any links I can read about please share.

thanks a bunch,
mkh9

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