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Got one on mi mates into biking,he's new to it,and suffers with cramp in his legs alot,have to cut rides short because of it,hes new to biking..
ive never suffered with it so ive know idea about it,
any help info would be great thanks..preventions??
Too much too soon?
Electrolyte and glucose?
Ride position?
Too much lactic acid-stop using big powerful muscles and use aerobic systems and spin in easier gears.
See GP unless it's just from riding. I always wake up from cramp when I've been off the bike after my first ride then it's all good.
More riding/training 3x a week. 15 minute cool down to get ride of excess acid.
yeah its just from riding.pratted about with his position looks ok to me..
could be that hes not used to it yes.
ill make sure he spins more next time then?
owt he cant eat or take?
Quinine in tonic water is alleged to make a difference, Elete water can be added to any drink, or electrolyte tabs like Nuun or Zym. I always used to cramp when racing, and the latter have sorted me out totally.
Isn't that anti malaria stuff njee20?
So nuun or zym then njee??
Works for me when racing certainly. I use the 'Catapault' flavour Zym through choice, but they're absolutely loaded with caffeiene (100mg/tablet IIRC), so the lemon/lime may be more sensible!
some good advice above. Electrolytes is the first thing to try. Just a bit of table salt will do - no need for expensive electrolyte products altho they are easier to take perhaps - but look at the ingredients carefully. You need sodium most and a bit of potassium and magnesium. Its the most likely explanation. I use a home made electrolyte drink - apple juice 1/3 - 2/3 diluted in water ith a generous pinch of table salt.
Quinine is good for preventing cramps that have no obvious cause. Not hugely effective but it can help sometimes and has few side effects.
Set up on bike might be part of it - over stretch or not stretching enough when pedalling.
TJ not strecthing as in doing stretches before hand ?
do you drink your stuff before ride tj?
Tell him to eat a large smoked/salty bacon sandwich in the morning and a few bananas. Potasium and salt- sorted.
He could also be self-pleasuring himself excessively?
I meant not pedalling properly so not going thru the full range of movement - saddle too low or high. Stretching before exercise is controversial - I do it but it is not recommended by many these days.
The drink is what I put in my bottle to drink as I ride. Its a home made energy / electrolyte drink.
How long into the ride is he getting the cramps? IIRC some of the cliffbloks contain electrolytes as well. it doesn't matter where you get the electrolytes from - even a packet of crisps or salted nuts will contain some but the ready made electrolyte stuff might be easiest. Just make sure you don't get "isotonic" that contains lots of sugar but no salts.
Ps. He could also be over hydrating- how much water is he taking in?
he aint over hydrating dont think,got his saddle height right.
he could be ****ing too much knowing him..
half way into ride today he got cramp,but he rode gisburn yesterday too,although its very short,it was enough for him...
i think the electrolyte is the way forward see how he goes with that.