When I do kick sets with fins (Aqua Sphere short fins) that I get a cramp in my right foot everytime. I may get through 150 yards before it happens or may not even get through a lap. It is more likely with freestyle but it does happen with dolphin kick. Would bigger find make a difference? Any ideas or suggestions?
thanks
I get these, too, even without using fins. They tend to be in the arch of my feet. They you have to kick with your feet at right angles to your body--very dispiriting when you are trying to do a good time towards the end of practice.
There was an interesting article in the NYT a few years back on the use of pickle juice to prevent cramps.
It seemed to work for me, but I admit that I haven't continued swigging pickle juice, the cure being almost as bad as the disease. Good luck.
well.blogs.nytimes.com/.../
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with as much honey as required to get rid of the sour taste has done the trick for me. I tend to go through phases where for days on end I get foot cramps. I started taking this horrible concoction and I swear it does the trick. I take it before going to bed. Apparently the apple cider vinegar is high in potassium.
I know from Scuba diving that longer more flexible fins tend to be more comfortable and less taxing on the feet and legs. I never tried divers fins to swim laps though. Shorter and stiff fins do build muscle tone and make you go faster than longer and more flexible ones.
Foot cramps (arch) are part of my workout, both feet. I would say bigger fins would get you cramping even sooner -I use the small zoomers but still I'll get cramps. One thing that helps are massage balls that you roll under your feet. The ones in the link below even sink so I use them between kick sets.
www.amazon.com/.../ref=sr_1_1
Hydration. Most athletes are dehydrated and don't know it. For how much we all work out, we need to be drinking a lot more water than we do. This is basically a quote from my coach last year.
