I am 54 and just started working out after a sedentary winter,my calves and glutes start cramping when doing exercises for these specific areas,is this normal?Do I just work the cramp out and go on or what?
2007-02-23 00:19:23 · 5 answers · asked by jackiedj8952 5 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Cramps can be caused by lack of calcium in the blood. Also, you may tend to experience cramps if you are low on potassium. Make sure that your diet is rich in these two essential minerals.
Cider vinegar is a useful supplement which helps remove and prevent muscle fatigue.
Calcium also works synergistically with magnesium so if you buy a supplement, make sure that it supplies both.
Increase your exercise gently and gradually, getting a proper amount of rest between episodes to let your muscles recover.
2007-02-23 00:57:45 · answer #1 · answered by Leaf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You give no details about what the exercises are, but I'm guessing its weight machines of some sort.
Cramping is almost certainly due to insufficient circulation in the area. There are a number of possible causes. Could be any one of them, or all three.
1. Insufficient warm up to get heartrate up and blood flowing.
2. Poor circulation.
3. You're dehydrated.
Before any exercise make sure you're properly hydrated. To be sure, I always drink 16-20 ozs. 15 or 20 minutes before starting
Always warm up. I don't go near the weights or the machines until I've taken my heart rate over 130 on the stationary bike or swimming laps in the pool. Generally, I do at least 20 minutes.
If its generally poor circulation, that is a problem beyond the reach of this forum. See an MD.
FYI, I'm the same age.
2007-02-23 01:05:33 · answer #2 · answered by silverbullet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cramps can be cause by working too hard too soon...slow down a bit and stretch more after you finished exercising. Also make sure you are getting plenty of fluids. Muscle cramps are also caused by dehydration. To really stretch the calves good...stand about a foot from a wall, keep your legs straight, and lean forward and put your hands on the wall...you can back the feet up some if you need a bigger stretch.
2007-02-23 00:31:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normal. Slowly work the cramp out by very gentle stratching.
To help keep from getting more, eat lots of bananas.
2007-02-23 00:25:01 · answer #4 · answered by khorat k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before you start dont forget to STRETCH...........
2007-02-23 00:26:25 · answer #5 · answered by Marie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋