Cramping

leaderfox

Hi guys.
I have issues with cramps. Have heard lack of magnesium. Got magnesium tablets...doesn't work. Also heard dehydration. This could be my problem but not sure about it.
Any help appreciated.

yop

leaderfox wrote: »

Hi guys.
I have issues with cramps. Have heard lack of magnesium. Got magnesium tablets...doesn't work. Also heard dehydration. This could be my problem but not sure about it.
Any help appreciated.

Its different for everyone and if the usual "More water", "Magnesium" etc dont work then it could be bike fit or just that your legs need to get stronger.

smacl

Different for everyone. For me drinking small amounts regularly, particularly before climbs, helps. I use high5 4:1 on longer days, which works well for me for fuel and electrolytes, and also find bananas excellent to keep fuelled up. I still get occasional cramps at the tail end of a long spin, but just spin my way through them in a low gear.

omri

I heard magnesium, potasium and zink plus stretchin after as a part of your routine. Obviously a good well balanced diet too. Not sure if cramps happen on "come an go" basis or are they more long term to develop and get rid of thing.

Not sure how much time you have after cycling but I found these excercises brilliant (all 4 parts): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef7ov9Ek2u0

leaderfox

I've been cycling 20 years now. From beginning of December I have 2500 kms until now. Have 2 kids and don't really have more time to cycle. Doing stretching after every ride. Smacl..got that high5 stuff by post last week. Will try.
Omri..will check you tube later on. Thank you guys for the replies.

munsterleinster

I sweat like a pregnant nun and cramps will hit after qa few miles.. Especially on the hills.
High5 Cirtus are my favourite.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/high5-zero-electrolyte-drink-tablets/rp-prod42650
Most bike shops stock them. Just pop 3 into a large water bottle.

Don't waste your time with Locozade or any of those sugary drinks. They don't have enough electrolytes and way too much sugar.

Don't go mad on the magnesium as it'll loosen your bowels.

If you're stuck, regular table salt will help.
Lo-Salt is even better as they reduce the sodium and make it up with potassium.

Pawlie

Keep yourself properly hydrated,black current and water for me when racing does the job along with cnp gels and bars :-)

petethedrummer

http://www.sportsscientists.com/tag/muscle-cramps/

Bloggsie

I got a really bad cramp in my calf on a spin last year, hadnt experienced anything like it before, I cycled on one leg for about 20 kms to get home, I could hardly get off the bike. Since then I take a High5 citrus in 750ml before I go out & fill another 750 bottle for the spin, (I probably should do a better warm up before hand as well) luckly haven't had one since.
Get good on hydration before and during & it will help

Pablo Rubio

I have suffered really bad with cramps for years due to a high sweat rate. I take 2 sachets of Dioralyte(about 50cents a sachet in chemist) the day before a race and no problem then. I also use High5 Isotonic and find that great.

leaderfox

Thanks for all messages. Really helpful.

foxer3640

Suffered really badly with cramps last year. Started taking magnesium citrate tablets and no trouble since. Don't know the science behind it but my my wife works in a pharmacy and she said to take these and they worked.