Cardio that isn't running

gearhead426hemi · March 2018

Mountain biking, road cycling, kayaking are great outdoor cardio activities. If you want to stay in the gym try rowing. Change your grip from close to wide grip to work different muscles while getting your cardio in at the same time.

Gisel2015 · March 2018

OP please don't get a potassium supplement unless monitored by a doctor. In the wrong amount potassium can disrupt your heart rate and that is more dangerous that cramping feet. V8 vegetable juice has a nice amount of potassium and if you are concerned or need to be concerned about the sodium you can get low sodium V8. It is also a good way to get your daily vegetables.
Please search for food high in potassium (bananas, oranges, etc.) to incorporate in your diet, and Tonic water is also good for cramping (quinine). I believe that it is now a light version as well.

kellynrwood · March 2018

Biking. I am a big runner, but due to back surgery I can only do about 15 miles a week, which means I have to find cross training to make up the difference. I started doing the recumbent bike when I was pregnant, and I can't believe how much it has improved my strenght in my legs and my run time. I have to do the recumbent bike due to my back, but the upright bike is great too (might need to invest in some bike shorts if you are bony).

Spliner1969 · March 2018

Gisel2015 wrote: »

OP please don't get a potassium supplement unless monitored by a doctor. In the wrong amount potassium can disrupt your heart rate and that is more dangerous that cramping feet. V8 vegetable juice has a nice amount of potassium and if you are concerned or need to be concerned about the sodium you can get low sodium V8. It is also a good way to get your daily vegetables.
Please search for food high in potassium (bananas, oranges, etc.) to incorporate in your diet, and Tonic water is also good for cramping (quinine). I believe that it is now a light version as well.

Agreed. Always best to get potassium from food. There are plenty of potassium-rich foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, etc. Google a list. Beans are another good source.

Start tracking your sodium, keep it under control and eat potassium-rich foods and unless your doctor tells you to take a supplement, don't. I, however, do take magnesium and zinc, vitamin C, and Fish Oil. The Fish Oil, Magnesium, and Zinc can all help with cramps. I have a previous injury in my back which has left some nerve damage, and occasionally I will get leg cramps if I've aggravated that injury. The Magnesium and Zinc helps quite a bit. Go easy on them, no more than the recommended dose, but give it a try at night and see if they help. Magnesium also has the benefit of helping you get better sleep.