Calf Cramps While Swimming Laps

kennysrush
kennysrush Posts: 124
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I swim three mornings per week. I vary my intensity during the 60 minutes of swimming and on some days I experience cramping in my calves. I believe it's due to the push-offs from the pool wall, so I'm trying to ease up on those. However, I'm wondering if any other swimmers out there are (or have) experiencing the same thing and if leg strengthening would help with this issue.

I'm in the pool 1/2 hour after getting up and always drink a quick 22 oz of water. There's no time for further hydration prior to getting in the pool.

Thoughts on recommended exercises?

Replies

  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    Me too. It stops after my first few swims of the season, but can be dang painful.
  • SHBoss1673
    SHBoss1673 Posts: 7,161 Member
    are you hydrated? I know that sounds silly being in a pool and all, but many times it's a sign of dehydration. Also check your electrolyte levels, low sodium levels can cause cramping. Make sure you're getting enough sodium.

    EDIT, I missed that 22 oz of water thing. Unfortunately, that might not be enough time for the water to disseminate through your body, you might want to give it close to an hour before swimming if you think you're dehydrated when you wake.
  • kennysrush
    kennysrush Posts: 124
    It usually catches me the last 15 minutes of my swim. I've been at it for almost 4 months now.
  • shaunshaikh
    shaunshaikh Posts: 616 Member
    Dehydration is common for swimmers because most people don't realize their sweating and don't actively rehydrate while they are competing. Treat 60 minutes of swimming like you would 60 minutes of running -- that is, periodic drinks -- preferrably of a Gatorade-like beverage. You'll also want to make sure you're getting enough Potassium.
  • MellowGa
    MellowGa Posts: 1,258 Member
    try some gatorade or bananna's ahead of swimming.

    Also if you are cramping, please make sure you ahve a "buddy" or a lifeguard by. It is easy to drown with leg cramps, I was a lifeguard for years, I have pulled people out from leg cramps. Always have a buddy or a guard around.

    but for the cramps, stretching before hand, warming ujp, gatorade and bananna's before you leave the house....make sure to warm the muscles up ahead of time.
  • kennysrush
    kennysrush Posts: 124
    are you hydrated? I know that sounds silly being in a pool and all, but many times it's a sign of dehydration. Also check your electrolyte levels, low sodium levels can cause cramping. Make sure you're getting enough sodium.

    EDIT, I missed that 22 oz of water thing. Unfortunately, that might not be enough time for the water to disseminate through your body, you might want to give it close to an hour before swimming if you think you're dehydrated when you wake.

    Perhaps I need to take my water bottle in the pool and stop for a drink on occasion. I don't have the spare time in the morning to wait an hour or I'd consider it. Thanks!
  • kennysrush
    kennysrush Posts: 124
    Thanks for the great tips! A banana and some warm-up is probably the way to go.
  • Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet
    Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet Posts: 486
    I'd suggest that it might be an electrolyte imbalance. You don't have much energy in your blood stream because its so early, so you might need a gatorade (or similar) instead of just water.
  • maddie8859
    maddie8859 Posts: 1
    when you swim your calfs may maintain constant contraction, concentrate on keeping them relaxed and focus on kicking from your hips
  • jessmomof3
    jessmomof3 Posts: 4,590 Member
    Thanks for the great tips! A banana and some warm-up is probably the way to go.

    I was going to suggest the same things. I am in a masters swimming program and we swim hard for a good hour. I always have a banana on hand and yes, make sure you are drinking plenty of water!!! Another good drink full of potassium is coconut water. I don't like Gatorade or other sports type drinks, so this is amazing!! O.N.E. is a brand, you can find it in the natural foods section of most stores or even w/ the juices and other drinks.

    Good luck!
  • kennysrush
    kennysrush Posts: 124
    I've been trying to avoid Gatorade due to calories and sodium, but may consider smaller bottles or additive to water. Thanks again!
  • jessmomof3
    jessmomof3 Posts: 4,590 Member
    I've been trying to avoid Gatorade due to calories and sodium, but may consider smaller bottles or additive to water. Thanks again!

    Yes, but remember that when you are working out hard is when you need those extra calories and sodium. The thing I find weird about swimming is that you don't feel yourself sweat. So you forget that you still need to replenish lost fluids. :wink:
  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    I've been trying to avoid Gatorade due to calories and sodium, but may consider smaller bottles or additive to water. Thanks again!

    G2 or vitamin water also have electrolytes. I love Vitamin Water Zero Rise (orange)
  • jgkimo
    jgkimo Posts: 61
    Definately coconut water; the absolutely best way to replenish your electrolytes.
  • kennysrush
    kennysrush Posts: 124
    Thanks for all the help, folks!!!
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