Anyone else get side stiches?

kimiel

Man do they hurt! How do you make them stop or at least feel better? I have pain under my rib cage while exercising and it makes me want to stop!

smalltowngirl504

I get those when I do kettle bell, the instructor told me to stretch it out, or go for a short walk around the track.... I am hoping as my fitness improves this will too... Good luck! Oh and she told me the reason, is because its taking all my CORE muscles working very hard just to breathe at that point, that it hurts...Which in a way scares me... I only seem to get them when I do very intense work outs that do leave me panting!

hpsnickers1

I read somewhere that not breathing right during exercise can give you a side stitch. It's hard to breathe right when you are working all of those muscles. I got them at first but don't anymore.

HawkeyeGuy

I've run a few marathons, and can sympathize! Nothing ruins a workout more quickly! They will get better and be eliminated with conditioning. Best bet is if you get struck by one is to lean away from it (stretches that side), reduce your intensity (this is really #1), and focus on your breathing - deep breaths. From there, you're more likely to get them in that workout upon picking back up the intensity. Don't worry...keep at it, and as your fitness levels increase, the frequency of them will decrease.

kimiel

Thanks for all your replies! I won't give up, just need to slow it down when I feel it coming on I guess!

gaeljo

It's lack of oxygen so what u need to do is breath deeply when u get them. To prevent them get intentional about taking in a few super deep breaths every few minutes. As u get more fit you will naturally breath deeper. Until u get more fit every 3 or 4 minutes take a deep breath like u r sighing. It works. When u get a stitch stop the workout breath deeply for a few moments and they will quickly.disapate. stretching makes u feel better but won't eliminate the problem. Your body can't oxygenate your muscles fast enough yet. Once your vessels grow you'll do better. Hope this helps.

kimiel

Thanks Gael!

caseykm

I learned a great tip from my half marathon training buddy last year- try to puff out your belly when you breathe. The pain should be gone after 3 or 4 breaths. Sounds weird but it works. It helps you breathe deeply and slowly.