Muscle Cramps

Thu 10 September 2009

I don’t know about you, but I get some killer cramps after rides/runs or during swimming.

I read this very interesting study/discussion from The Science of Sport blog on muscle cramps and how (according to this theory) that they have nothing (or very little) to do with Electrolyte levels in your body.

Very interesting read! For those of you that cannot spare the time, forget about Electrolyte replacement drinks (sure, put back what you loose) but stretch more before and after, train properly and you may well find that you cramp less.

I’ve been putting it to the test for a couple of weeks, doing the same rides, at the same pace, with and without taking in electrolytes. Both with and without stretching before and after.

Put simply, on the hardest rides – without stretching – I cramped with or without electrolyte replacement. But with 15 minutes of stretching before and after (focusing on the tired muscle groups) – even the toughest rides have left me cramp free.. Others make take more convincing, but it works for me.

Part I: Theories and fallacies of muscle cramps

Part 2 explains the previous theory of Electrolyte depletion.

Part II: The electrolyte depletion model of muscle cramps

Part 3 is really the crux of the argument, quite technical, but very well explained.

Part III: A Novel theory for Exercise-associated muscle cramps

Part 4 takes us to the evolution of the theory

Part IV: An explanation of the evolution of science

I’d recommend reading all the comment strings as well. Its a good couple of hours read, but if you cycle, run, swim. Then this concerns you.

Also very interesting, an article on Fluid intake

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