Side Cramps

Let me guess...You made the first post, got tired, took an hour nap then came back and finished the thought. Maybe we're onto something with your fitness level.

But seriously, you just need to avoid heavy meals before exercising, and if you still get side cramps, you just have to suck it up--they go away, unless you baby them.

 

OK, here's slightly different, more informed advice.

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/library/weekly/aa053100.htm?once=true&

 

Adding to the "breath deeply" advice in the last post ...


I actually think there's enough evidence out there that says you don't need to "suck it up" and that you can actually control these cramps.

This is the best thing I've read on this topic. Pay close attention to the belly breathing paragraphs. Indeed, it might be a good idea to look up "belly breathing" on Google. I noticed a few promising pages when I tracked this old article from Runner's World down.

http://www.georgesheehan.com/essays/essay36.html

Via belly breathing I've been very succesful at preventing and alleviating side cramps. I've found they're under my control if I just pay attention to my breathing. But it actually turns out it's hard to breath correctly and even harder to do so automatically. But read the article, give it a try and see if it works for you.

(Indeed, it's really worth reading his other articles too.)

Here's another article I found Googling ...

http://www.ivillage.co.uk/dietandfitness/getfit/cardio/qas/0,,254_157681,00.html

 

Just so you know for the future, those are called stitches, not cramps.

They are an overworking of your diaphram and can be stopped by standing as straight as you can with your hands above your head.

 

ive heard it was a potassium deficiency, and ive never had them if i eat a banana or two before running or playing.

 

I've also heard that if you drink a glass of water while standing on your head with a plastic bag over your...oh wait--that's hiccups--nevermind.