Cramps and lactic acid
30
Member
205 days
jacmun posted 25 weeks ago.
Not sure if anyone has found the single reason for cramp. Holdding muscles in a strained position for a time ie standing balanced on pedals or dragging your feet while you swim may be hurting you. The other factor is said to be salt loss. When I was in the Army I was getting killed by cramps at night that locked my legs up. A Sgt gave me salt tablets, problem solved
57
Member
332 days
CarlyBoy posted 23 weeks ago.
The cause of exercise-induced muscle cramps are still not well understood. Many will report "low electrolytes" as the cause. While it can certainly be a contributing factor it by no means is the only cause. Most of the recent research points the finger at overexertion (higher than usual intensity and/or longer than usual duration). Google exercise-induced muscle cramps and peruse the articles (the first hit is a good one).
Lots of good information on fueling, nutrition, recovery, and more at the Hammer Nutrition site. Here's a good one on electrolytes:
http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?ARTICLE.ID=1274&PAGE=ARTICLE
521
Member
1196 days
vanjames posted 23 weeks ago.
Muscle fatigue is thought to be a factor in developing cramps. Since you rode the week before perhaps you weren't fully recovered. Calcium and Magnesium are also factors in muscle contraction and relaxation. I supp with Cal-mag tablets as I used to get muscle twitches in my calves constantly - proper hydration, sufficient electrolytes and occasional massage should alleviate the issue.
Check this article out for interest ..
http://www.ais.org.au/nutrition/documents/FactCramp.pdf
357
Member
357 days
Socket posted 23 weeks ago.
Interesting article. I find that side stitches go away faster if I stretch them out and not by bending over and putting pressure on it. I used to get them every time I ran until I started stretching my sides and front by hanging from a chin-up bar or something. Don't have to do that too much these days, though.
I hardly ever get cramps, and practically never when exercising. Its usually if I'm in one position too long and I move suddenly like if I'm sitting on my leg or twisted to one side.
I have been having a cramping problem for a long time and I think it got its worst yesterday. I was doing 12 hr mountain bike race with my friend and his brother. Went out for a killer lap with some bike problems so ended up having to do a lot of running ( good thing I do triathlon training!). Well, so I didn't take my HRM out on the first lap and probably pushed myself too hard. Then on the second lap I am going all out (with my HRM this time) and I am getting my heart rate up to like 196, never had it that high before while mountain biking. After about 35 minutes I just start cramping. I had been making sure to eat and drink plenty and get in what I need.
So my question is, why am I cramping?!?!?!? Is it because I am working too hard and lactic acid is building up in my legs and thats what causes me to cramp? I was riding with like a 2 hour break and was warming up before and cooling down after each lap. I rode a week before the race and did 2 laps back to back on the course without cramping and both of those lap times were faster than the ones today. Any ideas?
I have this week off school so I am going to try and do some research and figure out whats going on with my body. I am hoping on getting a new job (and more money) once the semester is over and then am considering getting a coach or something so I can nip this cramping thing in the butt. I need help!