Advice on leg cramps
I've been riding my road bike a lot more in recent days and still getting to the gym three days a week for circuit training.
Three times now in the past two weeks, I have experience painful cramping in the muscle between my groin and knee. One time it happened when I was stretched out on the couch. The other two times, I had pulled my foot up to put on a sock.
I stood up and tried to "walk it off", but in the end I just sat down and tried to get as comfortable as possible to wait it out.
Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do if I have another cramp... or better yet.. how to avoid cramps?
Three times now in the past two weeks, I have experience painful cramping in the muscle between my groin and knee. One time it happened when I was stretched out on the couch. The other two times, I had pulled my foot up to put on a sock.
I stood up and tried to "walk it off", but in the end I just sat down and tried to get as comfortable as possible to wait it out.
Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do if I have another cramp... or better yet.. how to avoid cramps?
Max wt. 500+ WLS workshop 4/6/09 440 Surgery 9/21/09 324 9/21/10 218
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How long did the cramps last? Muscle cramps can be caused be a ton of things... Are you stretching enough AFTER your workouts? Do you have burning or soreness from lactic acid without the cramps? Dehydration and/or low sodium can cause muscle cramps too...
It could be as simple as your body getting a little more rest.
Things to look at:
Are you getting enough fluids? As the temps rise so will the amount of fluids we lose while engaging in physical activity.
Electrolytes - What are you drinking? We all know what an animal you are when it comes to logging miles on your bike but are you replinishing your electrolytes or just drinking water.
Potassium low potassium can cause vicious cramps usually fixed by a bit of banana.
And the most obvious Tight muscles! Look at getting a foam roller or something similar and working out the cramp. Also make sure you stretch pre and post exercise this is typically the most overlooked aspect of exercise.
Are you getting enough fluids? As the temps rise so will the amount of fluids we lose while engaging in physical activity.
Electrolytes - What are you drinking? We all know what an animal you are when it comes to logging miles on your bike but are you replinishing your electrolytes or just drinking water.
Potassium low potassium can cause vicious cramps usually fixed by a bit of banana.
And the most obvious Tight muscles! Look at getting a foam roller or something similar and working out the cramp. Also make sure you stretch pre and post exercise this is typically the most overlooked aspect of exercise.
Paul C.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
Foam roller!
Get one from local Sporting good stores. It is hard foam cylinder that you can roll out every muscle in your body. If a spot is bugging you use a street hockey ball (hard) or a 12-16in softball (softer) to dig into that muscle.
I do this every night and it has greatly improved my recovery after the gym.
Get one from local Sporting good stores. It is hard foam cylinder that you can roll out every muscle in your body. If a spot is bugging you use a street hockey ball (hard) or a 12-16in softball (softer) to dig into that muscle.
I do this every night and it has greatly improved my recovery after the gym.
Stretch... roller... electrolytes.. bananas...
Thanks guys.
Thanks guys.
Max wt. 500+ WLS workshop 4/6/09 440 Surgery 9/21/09 324 9/21/10 218
Save $4 on Obesity Help magazine subscription using promo code: HERCULES
www.obesityhelp.com/store/action,addtocart/itemId,1/pcode, hercules /
Save $4 on Obesity Help magazine subscription using promo code: HERCULES
www.obesityhelp.com/store/action,addtocart/itemId,1/pcode, hercules /