Back in the pool about a month now, just bumped up my yardage in workouts. Now getting leg cramps (foot, calf, sometimes thigh) at about 2k yds.
I know I need to step up my hydration.
I also should be doing more stretching, but my stretching routine hasn't been designed for swimming. Can anyone recommend good stretches to work into my routine that will help prevent cramping?
Thanks -Sb
Parents
Former Member
Hi there:
I have the same issue(s). The calf muscles are generally more difficult to keep conditioned and well stretched. They are the farthest from the heart and tend to atrophy the quickist when not working out. Also, many swimmers do not have well developed calf muscles which can contribute to inadequate conditioning and cramping early in a workout. Stretching will help but you probably need to spend some time building up your calves. I would try the calf raise machine (cybex) or other brand at your local health club. Do this at least twice a week, 3 sets of 10 repititions. You don't need a ton of weight but it should be enough to work the calve muscles thoroughly. Good luck.
Matt
Well, I've been conditioning for a couple of years, including calf raises during lower body workouts (twice weekly) and cycling in good weather, so I don't think that's the problem.
I think it's more how legs are used in swimming versus how they're used in cycling, hiking, and strength training. It's not all the same. Nothing else requires you to hold your legs in the positions that swimming does, or to use them in the same way.
Allowing a build-up of workouts is one element. Hydration is another. But stretching is also important, and I think that's the missing link for me right now.
Hi there:
I have the same issue(s). The calf muscles are generally more difficult to keep conditioned and well stretched. They are the farthest from the heart and tend to atrophy the quickist when not working out. Also, many swimmers do not have well developed calf muscles which can contribute to inadequate conditioning and cramping early in a workout. Stretching will help but you probably need to spend some time building up your calves. I would try the calf raise machine (cybex) or other brand at your local health club. Do this at least twice a week, 3 sets of 10 repititions. You don't need a ton of weight but it should be enough to work the calve muscles thoroughly. Good luck.
Matt
Well, I've been conditioning for a couple of years, including calf raises during lower body workouts (twice weekly) and cycling in good weather, so I don't think that's the problem.
I think it's more how legs are used in swimming versus how they're used in cycling, hiking, and strength training. It's not all the same. Nothing else requires you to hold your legs in the positions that swimming does, or to use them in the same way.
Allowing a build-up of workouts is one element. Hydration is another. But stretching is also important, and I think that's the missing link for me right now.
