Cramps On The Bike!!

kingdomlad

Ive been training fairly well since the beginning of January. Averaging about 100 miles a week. Was feeling strong until the past few days when i started getting cramps in my calfs after bout 20 miles or so. I put this down to the fact that i have started a new job in work where i am practically standing in the one spot for 8 hours:mad:. Does anyone have any ideas how i can prevent myself from cramping? Maybe the names of any creams etc that ican rub into the muscles before i hit the road!!

moby2101

Hi
It could be that you are dehydrated, I used to suffer something similar on long spins, but since I got the level of rehydration reasonably spot on, its not an issue anymore.

Might help your situation, then again it could be entirely different !

Hmmzis

Make sure you are hydrated well. That's usually the first reason for myself getting cramps. The other thing could be that your body is lacking some electrolytes, a sports drink (like High5 Zero) on longer spins takes care of that for me. Also, check the alignment of the cleats on your cycling shoes.

kingdomlad

Thanks for your message, Moby. I dont reckon its down to dehydration as i have had no problems up until last week when i started doing this new job. I reckon its probably down to lack of blood circulation or something like that from standing in the one spot.

thebouldwhacker

For me a banana usually sorts it out.

rigal

I've had similar issues of late and had them this time last season as well.

This article is quite good:

http://teamsky.cyclingnews.com/tech-features/how-to-stop-cramp-team-sky%E2%80%99s-expert-guide/

Worst thing you can do is try to cycle through the cramp - guaranteed to cause a tear I find!

In my case the issue is probably introducing more intense training too quickly and lower legs can't hack it. Cycling in cold weather and poor circulation in lower legs and feet is also a contributing factor. I use this now:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Muscle-Formula-WarmFX-Anti-Pain-Balm/dp/B000FX2WI0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329341708&sr=8-1-fkmr0

also find that a proper warm up and stretching helps if you have the time...

redzone

Make sure your work shoes have very good support and maybe google some exercises and stretches you could do while standing.

disco1

kingdomlad wrote: »

Ive been training fairly well since the beginning of January. Averaging about 100 miles a week. Was feeling strong until the past few days when i started getting cramps in my calfs after bout 20 miles or so. I put this down to the fact that i have started a new job in work where i am practically standing in the one spot for 8 hours:mad:. Does anyone have any ideas how i can prevent myself from cramping? Maybe the names of any creams etc that ican rub into the muscles before i hit the road!!

Hi I also get cramps firstly booze causes cramps I assume its not that I use ozone oxigenating oil available online