Why am I getting bad cramps when I run?

Question

I'm get bad cramps in my stomach and sometimes legs when I run. I'm taking an aerobic class and the professor makes us run for 12-15 mintues on a regular basis. I start running and then the cramps in my stomach and legs start so I stop. Instead, I walk the rest. Why do I experience these cramps? I would like to run or jog instead of walking the rest of the time. Are the muscles I'm using to run overactive? Or is it something else?

Answer 1

You have too much lactic acid in your system (this also attracts mosquito's)...you need to watch your intake of salt and take enough to keep the lactic acid from accumulating in your muscles cells, but no so much that you retain too much fluid in your cells.

Answer 2

Not drinking could be a possibility. Sometimes runners become uncomfortable with water "swishing around" in their stomach while they run, I understand this from personal experience, however not drinking anything can be unhealthy and cause dehydration, which could be causing your cramps. Even just drinking a half a bottle of water can make a huge difference.

Answer 3

When muscles cramp up that just means you are fatigued or lacking something.

Some things to try:

drink LOTS of water.
Eat a bananna before & after working out. (for vitamin K; pottasium)
Eat some pickles; sodium.
Drink gatorade or other sports drink; ..ones that have sodium and electorlytes.

or if you get serious into working out, as myself, try Creatine (a work-out supplement). It allows your body to retain water which allows for a quicker recovery time between workouts/runs.
..but take ONLY as directed and drink 15+ glasses or water per day!
i hope some of these help.

Answer 4

I would go slow at it do some exercise like leg lifts or something. and run alitlle of a time. but do it everyday to strength up your mucsle in your leg.

Answer 5

When you perspire, your body looses potassium. You need potassium. Try eating bananas or take potassium pills. It keeps the cramps away.

Answer 6

The reason you are getting cramps is because you either have to go to the bathroom or you are just stressed

Cood Luck

Answer 7

You're fine, it's just getting into shape. It's hard. Push through it and try to run as much as you can.

Answer 8

you should streach prior to and after those muscles that cramp alot......but after a while when your body get's use to run'n, the cramps will go away

Answer 9

Maybe your body isn't used to it yet.. Make sure you warm up first and go at your own speed.

Answer 10

u might be out of shape or lack of sodium and water, drink a lot of water or Gatorade