Cramp - what's your remedy?!?!
Discussion
I started to experience cramps during my longer rides, especially now I am doing more mileage and higher intensity efforts.
I did loads of research in magazines and on t'interweb. I've found that a combination of hydration, fueling and a range of stretches (found on the British Cycling website) have almost totally eliminated my cramps - although I think that after 4 hours of stiff effort it may be inevitable?! At which point I just keep spinning, totally fearing the prospect of stopping and not being able to get going again!
I did loads of research in magazines and on t'interweb. I've found that a combination of hydration, fueling and a range of stretches (found on the British Cycling website) have almost totally eliminated my cramps - although I think that after 4 hours of stiff effort it may be inevitable?! At which point I just keep spinning, totally fearing the prospect of stopping and not being able to get going again!
Cheers for the advice, I never really stretch so I'll certainly investigate this.
Banana Boy said:
At which point I just keep spinning, totally fearing the prospect of stopping and not being able to get going again!
Today I had to completely stop half way up a hill because my legs wanted to disown me Drink more, and more of the hydration tablets things like High5 zero.
Find I get cramp in endurance mtb events sometimes, but more drink with more tabs in, and I can usually ride it out, but at the time it's a nightmare offroad. I have also found the caffeine enriched gels seem to bring on cramp as well, but I only have one sometimes two cup of weak tea a day.
Find I get cramp in endurance mtb events sometimes, but more drink with more tabs in, and I can usually ride it out, but at the time it's a nightmare offroad. I have also found the caffeine enriched gels seem to bring on cramp as well, but I only have one sometimes two cup of weak tea a day.
king bIsn't cramp caused by lack of salt (which is lost through sweat?)
When I played football I'd drink salt water after a game if I felt it coming on.
A bit difficult on a ride though, and I've experienced it a couple of times mid pedal stroke.
Must be an interesting site as I hobble-pedal to a stop.
When I played football I'd drink salt water after a game if I felt it coming on.
A bit difficult on a ride though, and I've experienced it a couple of times mid pedal stroke.
Must be an interesting site as I hobble-pedal to a stop.
Just read some posts about leg cramps caused by excersise and it appears there's no certain solution
Things things keep cropping up as remedies though;
Tonic water (although many people doubt the quantity of quinin in tonic will help)
Apple cider vinegar
Potassium supplements
Magnesium supplements
Tomato juice
Tums anti-acid tablets!
Things things keep cropping up as remedies though;
Tonic water (although many people doubt the quantity of quinin in tonic will help)
Apple cider vinegar
Potassium supplements
Magnesium supplements
Tomato juice
Tums anti-acid tablets!
Someone said to me once that cramps can be a result of taking your muscles beyond their normal use.
I tend to agree, as for four years of training I only seem to get calf and quad cramps when I return to tough training after a short break
My hydration and nutrition has always been consistent. Soon as I have done a couple of hard training sessions the cramps don't seem to happen, until I do I take myself further like racing.
I tend to agree, as for four years of training I only seem to get calf and quad cramps when I return to tough training after a short break
My hydration and nutrition has always been consistent. Soon as I have done a couple of hard training sessions the cramps don't seem to happen, until I do I take myself further like racing.
Someone said to me once that cramps can be a result of taking your muscles beyond their normal use.
I tend to agree, as for four years of training I only seem to get calf and quad cramps when I return to tough training after a short break
My hydration and nutrition has always been consistent. Soon as I have done a couple of hard training sessions the cramps don't seem to happen, until I do I take myself further like racing.
I tend to agree, as for four years of training I only seem to get calf and quad cramps when I return to tough training after a short break
My hydration and nutrition has always been consistent. Soon as I have done a couple of hard training sessions the cramps don't seem to happen, until I do I take myself further like racing.
Has anyone tried Pocari Sweat? Sounds disgusting I know, but when I was working in Japan, I was told it is the best thing to drink as it contained all the minerals lost due to sweating.
As my fitness is improving slowly, Im finding its my legs that start to give a little wobble.
Also, why is it my legs feel terrible at the start of a ride but improve as I get further in? Is it down to not warming up properly? Theres a small climb where I usually ride that I use a s warm up - or is it better to stretch prior to getting on the bike?
As my fitness is improving slowly, Im finding its my legs that start to give a little wobble.
Also, why is it my legs feel terrible at the start of a ride but improve as I get further in? Is it down to not warming up properly? Theres a small climb where I usually ride that I use a s warm up - or is it better to stretch prior to getting on the bike?
With these feet said:
Has anyone tried Pocari Sweat? Sounds disgusting I know, but when I was working in Japan, I was told it is the best thing to drink as it contained all the minerals lost due to sweating.
As my fitness is improving slowly, Im finding its my legs that start to give a little wobble.
I used to work outside in Dubai in overalls and was drinking gallons of water a day, even then my pee was dark orange treacle and I used to get quite bad hand cramps after work. Taking 2 cans of Pocari sweat stopped this completely and I always drank it after that. No idea where to get it in the UK though.As my fitness is improving slowly, Im finding its my legs that start to give a little wobble.
I just drink weak Robinsons or Vimto, I never get cramps now aslong as I have something other than plain water.
Dave!
Howitzer said:
No idea where to get it in the UK though.
Found it through Amazin. £1 a can isn't too bad compared to how much some 'fitness' supplements are!www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00880M8OK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_OCZ...
With these feet said:
Also, why is it my legs feel terrible at the start of a ride but improve as I get further in? Is it down to not warming up properly? Theres a small climb where I usually ride that I use a s warm up - or is it better to stretch prior to getting on the bike?
Stretching is no good on cold muscles. They need be warmed up before stretching. So you need to exercise before stretching. Sounds counter intuitive, but someone once described it to me as like a piece of Blu Tak. Try and stretch it when it's cold and it will just break. Warm it up first and it stretches a lot easier.Kell said:
With these feet said:
Also, why is it my legs feel terrible at the start of a ride but improve as I get further in? Is it down to not warming up properly? Theres a small climb where I usually ride that I use a s warm up - or is it better to stretch prior to getting on the bike?
Stretching is no good on cold muscles. They need be warmed up before stretching. So you need to exercise before stretching. Sounds counter intuitive, but someone once described it to me as like a piece of Blu Tak. Try and stretch it when it's cold and it will just break. Warm it up first and it stretches a lot easier.On the bike, I sometimes get cramps in my lower legs, and this can be alleviated by dropping the pedal, standing up off the saddle, and stretching the calf muscles one side at a time while coasting along. It means you keep moving and you don't get cold or start to stiffen up, too, which is a bonus.
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