I just started swimming again after a 7 year hiatus and it seems that after I swim about a 1000 meters, I get calf cramps, usually in both calves. I rarely, if ever, had them when I swam competitively so this is a new experience to me. It doesn't matter which leg - usually both cramp up. And it's not like they last a few seconds. I can usually stretch them out enough to continue my workout, but my calves are then stiff and tight for a day or two afterwards.
Any ideas on how to avoid them? I've tried stretching them before swimming, but it doesn't seem to help.
Parents
Former Member
Originally posted by swimlong
Do you do the calf presses just before swimming, or as part of dry land conditioning?
I do calf presses when I'm on the legs portion of my weight training routine (3 days per week). Lately that means doing them about an hour and a half before I get into the water, but I've only been swimming after weight training for the past month. Prior to that I would swim and lift on different days.
From what I can tell you aren't going to run a risk of cramping unless you do them *right* before getting into the water.
That said, your calf muscles will cramp up if you push them too hard, so I strongly suggest not starting out with more than 3 sets of 15.
Originally posted by swimlong
Do you do the calf presses just before swimming, or as part of dry land conditioning?
I do calf presses when I'm on the legs portion of my weight training routine (3 days per week). Lately that means doing them about an hour and a half before I get into the water, but I've only been swimming after weight training for the past month. Prior to that I would swim and lift on different days.
From what I can tell you aren't going to run a risk of cramping unless you do them *right* before getting into the water.
That said, your calf muscles will cramp up if you push them too hard, so I strongly suggest not starting out with more than 3 sets of 15.
