Leg cramps?

coryrood
coryrood Posts: 100 Member
edited November 21 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm doing strong lifts 5x5 and I've noticed that days following lifting that my calfs are crampy in the morning. I get plenty of water a day (atleast 12 cups a day). My diary is open. It has everything logged except water. Any input?

Replies

  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    maybe slow down.
    foam roll or tennis ball roll your calves. I got my yoga ball at my desk
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    Bananas help for me when I'm extremely physical in hot weather.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    I got a lot of charley horses when I was low-carbing and found it was from low potassium. Bananas/avocados are my go-tos for that.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    Chieflrg wrote: »
    Bananas help for me when I'm extremely physical in hot weather.

    oh, yes, this too
  • coryrood
    coryrood Posts: 100 Member
    I eat a banana every day.
  • cbrook29
    cbrook29 Posts: 57 Member
    Are you warming up? Are you increasing weight? Do less weights to warm up and foam roller on legs.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Looks like you could increase your veggie intake - both the quantity and type. Reducing sodium might help too.
    And try stretching your calves a few times daily, since they're probably tight.
  • coryrood
    coryrood Posts: 100 Member
    More veggies? I eat a salad every day with lettuce. Peppers. And tomatos. Dinner always has a differing veggie. How much more do you recomend?
  • G33K_G1RL
    G33K_G1RL Posts: 283 Member
    I have leg cramps pretty easily and what keeps them at bay is a few supplements of magnesium. So definitely watch your potassium, getting enough is essential, but maybe look into having a magnesium supplement see if it helps.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    coryrood wrote: »
    More veggies? I eat a salad every day with lettuce. Peppers. And tomatos. Dinner always has a differing veggie. How much more do you recomend?

    I'd double the quantity, and increase the variety too (cabbage, kale, carrots, etc). By the way, tomatoes & peppers are technically fruits. :)

    Stretching your calves will probably give you the biggest improvement. When muscles are tight, electrolytes can't flow in & out as easily, leading to cramping.

    What do you do for cardio?
  • rosebette
    rosebette Posts: 1,660 Member
    Eat something with potassium or take a potassium supplement. My husband and I both had terrible leg cramps over this week-end; he's a baseball coach, and I have just been doing my normal workouts, but it was really humid and it takes a toll on your body.
  • coryrood
    coryrood Posts: 100 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    coryrood wrote: »
    More veggies? I eat a salad every day with lettuce. Peppers. And tomatos. Dinner always has a differing veggie. How much more do you recomend?

    I'd double the quantity, and increase the variety too (cabbage, kale, carrots, etc). By the way, tomatoes & peppers are technically fruits. :)

    Stretching your calves will probably give you the biggest improvement. When muscles are tight, electrolytes can't flow in & out as easily, leading to cramping.

    What do you do for cardio?

    Cardio is usually cycling. Running if I feel like being bored. Lol.
  • atypicalsmith
    atypicalsmith Posts: 2,742 Member
    When you get a charley horse, stretch with your heels. Even it if hurts at first. Absolutely do NOT stretch with your toes!!!!
  • oldcargirl62
    oldcargirl62 Posts: 80 Member
    Try Concentrace Trace Mineral Drops by Trace Minerals Research they also have potassium only drops. Magnesium Serene is mixed with eater and effervesces, I don't take each daily but do alternate and depending on what I eat. I was hydrating (coconut water is great as well) but getting horrible leg and foot cramps at night.

    For me, the trace minerals combo and magnesium helps the most. And I don't eat junky food (never have), lean quality meats, fish, nuts, good fats and full fat dairy, and love veg so who knows, I think some folks just need a helper supplement.

    I've been working on abs a bit more and get a side stich if I don't stretch right. So yes stretching! My Mr. has been a serious martial artist for many years, training with an Asian country's Olympic team. He is like having my own personal trainer and nutritionist, if I follow his suggestions he actually is on target, not just trendy or into himself.

    I hope thisight help, cramps are the worst!
  • oldcargirl62
    oldcargirl62 Posts: 80 Member
    Oh, I also found that actual mineral water can help (and I like it plain) but club soda made them much worse.
  • kphil3
    kphil3 Posts: 8 Member
    I was getting them really bad. I tried to increase my potassium as everyone says, it did help some. Talked to my dr and he did some test and i was a little low on magnesium. So i take an over counter magnesium supplement and it really works. Best immediate relief for leg cramps is to use a heating pad.
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