leg cramps

beyond_beauty87

i'v been working out for 11 days straight, doing a mix of weights, strength everyday focusing on different muscle groups then i end the session sparring for cardio for about 20-25, and 3 days out of the week straight cardio including the sparring. I've noticed in the past week in the middle of the night i would leg cramps and they can be so painful. has anyone else had this problem? what can i do avoid it? Is my workout regime too much? thanks

BrianSharpe

The usual culprits for leg cramps are dehydration or low sodium and/or low potassium but they can also be brought on by significant changes in workout duration/intensity, hotter temperatures etc.

Try making sure you're well hydrated and include bananas, cantaloupe & other high potassium foods in your diet and check your sodium intake. Low electrolyte levels can also be brought on by drinking too much water - perhaps consider a sports drink now and again (I'm not crazy about Gatorade - it has about as much sugar as a soft drink, maybe G2?)

Nutrition1st

If you are lifting weights 11 days straight, you may be overtraining. Your muscles need plenty of rest. Unless you are training for an event, the most you need to lift weights would be 3/4 days a week. If fat burning is your goal then I would recommend total body workouts. If you are trying to get good definition I would do a 3 or 4 day split. Chest/Shoulders/Triceps 1 day. Back/Biceps 1 day. Leg/Core 1 day. If you are lifting with your legs a few days a week, I have seen that cause severe cramps and muscle damage.

HTH