Don’t Let Spasms Cramp Your Workouts

We have all experienced those nasty stitches in our side or sudden calf cramps while working out. Some of us have even been startled awake in the night by a sudden ‘Charlie horse’ in our leg. Here are some helpful tips to thwart would be ‘sniper’ spasms and what you can do to avoid them.

Prevent Cramps

• Drinks lots of water. The average person should be drinking 50% of their body weight in ounces of water, daily. If you are active, you should drink 60% of your body weight in ounces of water, daily.
• Fill up on electrolytes. Check your diet. Low levels of sodium and potassium could be the reason for that side stitch.
• Take a good Multi-Vitamin. Studies suggest magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B, D, and E can limit the likelihood of getting a muscle cramp (or at least ease the pain).
• Jump around. When small nerves in our muscles get fatigued, cramping can occur. Luckily, jumping drills (a.k.a. plyometrics) keep these nerves from tiring. Do them a few times a week after working out to help prevent spasms.
• Warm up and cool down. Make the time. This is as important as the workout itself. Failure to observe this will result in poor performance or injury over a prolonged period of neglect.

Treat Cramps

• Stretch the spot. Once the spasms start, stop, drop, and stretch. It’s better to stop for 10 minutes and address the cramp than it is to ‘run through it.’
• Take a chill pill. Stop! If the cramp lasts too long, you could cause long term tissue damage. Ask if you would rather miss out on a today’s run or running for the next 6 weeks (the histological time for proper collagen repair)
• Supplement your diet.

If you are eating too much of these;
Foods that inflame

• refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
• French fries and other fried foods
• soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages
• red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
• margarine, shortening, and lard

You should eat more of these:
Foods that combat inflammation

• tomatoes
• olive oil
• green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
• nuts like almonds and walnuts
• fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
• fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges

It may take some adapting in your diet, routine and even overall time management, but in the end, preventing cramps and staying ahead of potential pitfalls is your best defense for injury reduction and improved performance.

Ready to #feelbetter?

You're just a click away from a wicked good massage!

Book Now!

Change the Angle of Your Stretch!

Change the Angle of Your Stretch! We have all heard time and again that stretching is a great way to reduce the risk of injury as well as aid in recovery from a work out. So why is it that we still get injuries and our bodies feel sluggish, even when we stretch? The broad…

Read More

6 Stretches to Reduce Back Pain

6 Stretches to Reduce Back Pain At some point or another, we all have experienced some form of back pain. As I have explained in some of my previous posts, the degree or level of pain that is experienced is subjective to the individual based solely on their own neuro-signature. Simply put, no two people…

Read More

Life Hack: Under Pressure

Life Hack: Under Pressure When we think of a “hack” to something, we typically envision some unique way of doing something better and more efficiently than normal. However, some hacks can simply be a means of saving money, not just time. Last winter, we added some new construction to our home of 15 years. The…

Read More

Just Keep Moving

Just Keep Moving If you are sitting at your desk right now reading this, you may be wondering how it’s already September and summer is (un)officially over. The kids are back in school. Students from all over the globe have reentered our neighborhoods and roadways. The traffic suddenly seems to be more packed. Alas, another…

Read More

Have A Dose

Have A Dose The readers of this newsletter are all patients of The Boston Bodyworker, so there is no reason to try and “sell” you on the benefits of massage therapy. However, often we hear our guests struggle over expressing why they get a massage on a regular basis. It is our responsibility to not…

Read More

Life Hack: Wall Angels

Life Hack: Wall Angels So, while your boss is away, and the office is emptying out earlier and earlier as we reach the apex of summer time in Boston, you’re still grinding away making the most of this opportunity to get ahead. But wait, what is that pain you’re starting to feel between your shoulder…

Read More

Actions Triumph Words

Actions Triumph Words Over the years, we have all found certain quotes or guidance to motivate, lift and energize our spirit and those of others. I have so many favorites, but there are three in particular that I have been repeating to myself, my kids and even the kids I coach, more than any others…

Read More

Preach; Calories In vs. Calories Out

Preach; Calories In vs. Calories Out Summer time is the time of year when we typically want to look our best. Let’s face it, despite the fact that we live in a world that is openly less critical of body types and encourages us to see each other for what we do and how we…

Read More

Life Hack: 4th of July!

Life Hack: 4th of July! With the fourth of July just around the corner, we though you might enjoy some Red-White & Blue Homestyle life hacks that are fun, crafty and some are even edible! Check out these life hacks from our friends at BuzzFeed. My personal favorite is #16. Send us your creation if…

Read More

Why Run When You Can Sprint?

Why Run When You Can Sprint? Time and again, I hear from so many that the reason why they don’t work out more is because they don’t have time. Well, what If I told you that you can achieve the same health benefits of a 30-minute run in less than 60 seconds? REALLY! As the…

Read More