Group: Experienced Exercise

Created: 2012/01/01, Members: 50, Messages: 19484

For intermediate and advanced individuals. Share and learn how to take your fitness to the next level!

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Stomach

assante74
assante74
Posts: 185
Joined: 2001/10/19
United States
2004/03/22, 10:46 AM
I'm having the worst time with my stomach. I've been working out for a long time on and off. No matter what I haven't been able to find a way to get my stomach cramps when I workout. I've tried working them before and after my workout, but I still come to same standstill. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
asimmer
asimmer
Posts: 8,201
Joined: 2003/01/07
United States
2004/03/22, 10:59 AM
What do you mean your stomach cramps?
assante74
assante74
Posts: 185
Joined: 2001/10/19
United States
2004/03/22, 05:02 PM
I mean that whenever I do any type of stomach crunch or sit-up I get a very bad cramp in my upper abdominals. It usually stays with me for about 15 minutes. What can I do to alleviate this pain?
asimmer
asimmer
Posts: 8,201
Joined: 2003/01/07
United States
2004/03/22, 08:40 PM
That is odd. Are you dehydrated? Do you get enough potassium? Probably you are getting a really strong contraction, causing a spasm. Does it go away if you stretch? Try stretching over an exercise ball, lying on your back, let your body drape over it backwards. Or try the cobra position from yoga - lie on your stomach and press your hips into the floor, tucking your tail under a little, put your hands under your shoulders and press your body up, curling your back, just to your comfort level. You should think about pulling your ribs forward, away from your hips, this will result in a good abdominal stretch.

Do you cramp on the very first rep? Or is it after a few reps?
assante74
assante74
Posts: 185
Joined: 2001/10/19
United States
2004/03/23, 12:23 AM
I drink alot of water before and during my workout. I take a daily vitamin.
Sometimes stretching does help, but only for a while. If I start again then the cramp will come back. These cramps usually start anywhere from the third rep until I finish.
asimmer
asimmer
Posts: 8,201
Joined: 2003/01/07
United States
2004/03/23, 07:59 AM
Start tracking how many reps you do before you cramp up - see if the number is gradually increasing - maybe you just need to build endurance in your abdominal muscles.

Anyone else have any thoughts on this???

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"To be able to go to the gym and train hard is a joy and a privelege, even though the hard work necessitates driving yourself through considerable discomfort. Savor this privelege and blessing, and revel in it."
Stuart McRobert, Beyond Brawn
assante74
assante74
Posts: 185
Joined: 2001/10/19
United States
2004/03/23, 10:01 AM
My endurance has increased alot really, but it's the beginning of the workout that usually stops me from continuing on. I've tried to do stomach workouts, but the cramps has prevented me from doing the workouts on a consistent basis.