In the last year I have been getting incredible calf cramps or spasms about 1000 - 1500 m into my workouts. My typical workout is 2500m, 3x per week. Usually the cramps are instantaneous, for example when I push off the wall. I also notice i get them with fly more than any other stroke. Sometimes they are so bad I have to get out of the pool, and I can't walk. To help the situation, I have been stretching, both during the day and after my swim warmup; drinking water during practice; and eating a banana before practice.
I am a pretty fit person; I have been swimming most of my life
Anyone else had this issue? Any advice you could give would be really appreciated.
The second type of cramping is caused byexcessive sweat losses associated with a decreased level of electrolytes (specifically sodium).
Which would suggest just drinking water during a workout may not be enough. Personally, I like to drink diluted sports drink during workouts. I don't feel like I need the full strength stuff, but I do think the electrolyte replacement is a good reason to drink something more than water.
The second type of cramping is caused byexcessive sweat losses associated with a decreased level of electrolytes (specifically sodium).
Which would suggest just drinking water during a workout may not be enough. Personally, I like to drink diluted sports drink during workouts. I don't feel like I need the full strength stuff, but I do think the electrolyte replacement is a good reason to drink something more than water.
