Do I need a supplement?

BWA468
BWA468 Posts: 101 Member
edited November 26 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all, I am a regular gym goer (about 5 days a week). I do 3 days strength training (try to go heavy and do a little of the treadmill after that) and 2 days purely cardio (treadmill - mix of running and walking). I have a bad knee (arthritis from previous broken tibia at the knee joint). Last night I did some quite heavy lifting etc and felt good but during the night I had the worst cramps. I took a couple of magnesium before bed which are usually really good with preventing cramping. I think cause my knee is playing up at the moment this may be a cause. I haven't been taking the magnesium consistently but will do from now on. Also, I feel like my muscles get very fatigued with the treadmill even though I feel like I can do more (this is all the time even when my knee feels fine). Should I start taking electrolyte tablets or something else? I am a complete noob when it comes to this stuff and just have always thought keeping an eye on protein, carbs and fat is enough?

Replies

  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    How long have you been going at this pace?- You might just need to ease into it. or ease off a bit.
    Could you be pregnant?

    You certainly don't "NEED" a supplement, but if you're not getting enough of the right micros, it can help.
  • BWA468
    BWA468 Posts: 101 Member
    Definetly not pregnant lol or at least I hope bl**dy not! haha. I've been doing weight machines for the last few months with adding the weight room gradually so am progressing into lifting heavier. Treadmill I started off walking on incline then building up my running times
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Sodium, magnesium, potassium. Any of those being low could potentially be the culprit. I'd try to get them through food, though.
  • BWA468
    BWA468 Posts: 101 Member
    Thank you! I will start taking magnesium regularly and maybe start eating more greens etc and see if that helps :)
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    I have to take magnesium regularly or get weird leg and random muscle spasms. When it gets hot, I also need an electrolyte drink in the weight room. Make sure you are increasing your activity gradually and giving your body time to adapt.
  • Nbaker0909
    Nbaker0909 Posts: 102 Member
    I eat a banana almost daily. It helps that I like them but I find that they help prevent my leg cramps
  • jgnatca
    jgnatca Posts: 14,464 Member
    I also echo the concern to also up the salt and potassium (the electrolytes).
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