Muscle cramps: Guys who work out regularly know them all too well. The pain associated with leg cramps and other muscle cramps can put a damper on any exercise and even sideline you for a few days if you’re not careful. The best treatment for a cramp is prevention, so we’ve put together this guide to help you avoid muscle cramps once and for all
6 Ways to Prevent Muscle Cramps
1. Stretch before and after engaging in physical activity. While it may seem like a pointless, time consuming activity, stretching before a workout can help prevent cramps brought on by vigorous physical activity. A 5-10 minute warmup consisting of static and dynamic stretching can help prepare your muscle for the ensuing workout, significantly reducing your risk of cramping up during the workout. Also, make sure to include a cooldown period of stretches at the end of your workout.
2. Stay adequately hydrated. Adequate hydration is of the utmost importance when it comes to preventing muscle cramps in men. Hydration doesn’t just include water – a sports drink will suffice as well. However, try to avoid sports drink with excessive sugar and little nutritional value. Instead consider a supplement like Pre-Workout Training Booster Formula, which contains an ideal mix of carbs, protein and creatine to keep your body hydrated and energized for the workout to come. For more hydration advice, check out “9 Hydration Tips for Men.”
3. Consume a men’s recovery drink. What you have after a workout is just as important as what you consume before it. A men’s post-workout supplement like Accelerated Recovery Formula is packed with electrolytes and other nutrients your body needs to reduce soreness and get you back in the gym sooner. For more on how a post-workout supplement can help you, read “The Benefits of a Post-Workout Supplement for Men.”
4. Avoid certain medications. Numerous medications have been proven to cause muscle cramps. These medications include diuretics, blood pressure medications and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Read the label on your medication to see if muscle cramps is one of the side effects. If you use a medication that may cause muscle cramps, consult your doctor about seeking an alternative.
5. Avoid becoming vitamin-deficient. Sometimes, muscle cramps can be due to a deficiency in certain vitamins. Some deficiencies that have been linked to muscle cramps are thiamine (B1) deficiency, pantothenic acid (B5) deficiency, and pyridoxine (B6) deficiency. To ensure you are getting all the vitamins you need, revamp your diet and take a men’s full-spectrum multivitamin. “Multivitamins 101” explains the ins and outs about taking a daily vitamin.
6. Avoid repetitive, non-vigorous activities or modify them as necessary. Repetitive, non-vigorous activities such as typing at a computer, playing a musical instrument, and reading in a chair can cause muscle cramps. Modifying these activities by wearing wrist supports, adjusting chair position, and taking activity breaks can help minimize an individual’s risk for acquiring the muscle cramps associated with these activities. Also, make sure you are giving yourself enough rest between vigorous activities such as weight training. You should always include one rest day a week in your fitness program.
