You know the feeling. You’re working out, everything is going as planned, and then all of a sudden you feel abdominal cramps coming on.
This is sure to slow you down, if not stop your dead in your tracks. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent this from happening, there are some steps you can take before working out to reduce the likelihood.
Here’s what you need to do:
• Get hydrated: Before your workout begins, hydrate with either water or a sports drink.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Either of these greatly increases the risk of abdominal cramps during your workout.
• Limit dairy products and high fiber foods: In the hours before your workout, try to avoid dairy and high fiber foods and drinks. Furthermore, if you know there’s a food that will upset your stomach, avoid it for the time being.
Should you be struck with a cramp that you can’t manage, stop your workout. A break may be all that it takes to catch your breath, rid yourself of your cramp, and feel more confident in your ability to complete your workout in a timely manner.
Jennifer Ferdinand, owner of Serendipity Wellness Studio in Burke, VA, has been practicing massage therapy and esthetics since 2006. She is nationally certified through NCBTMB, and licensed in Virginia for both Massage Therapy and Esthetics.