Cramping???

[SonofBone]

I'm noticing this week that I'm cramping or feel the potential to cramp easily. It seems to be mostly in my rib cage area like if I twist I'll feel my back start to knot up or if I raise my arms above my head and back, I'll feel it a little along my spine.

I'm tinkering with my diet and suspect it could be eating too little. Also, noticing that I'm fatiguing much easier, strength is down and staying sore a bit longer. Soreness could be due to performing 12-15 reps/set which I've not done in quite a while. So can calorie restriction lead to cramping? Is it a sign that too many calories have been cut from the diet? Thanks in advance...sob

[FitnessBrat]

Are you well hydrated? Have you tried throwing in some extra electrolytes - that may help. The change in workouts is a likely cause - especially since you're becoming fatigued easier. Those are both causes of muscle cramps.

[SonofBone]

Thanks FB...well, maybe I need to pick up on the hydration. As far as electrolytes go, I just found a product called endurolytes that I'm going to give a shot.

[Bouncer]

yes, not enough cals play a big role for me. if i am not taking in enough food and sodium my abs cramps, hamstrings, etc..

creatine + not hydrated = cramps.

[Bouncer]

still cramping bone?

[SonofBone]

Not as bad. I think I cut the calories too far back, so I added in another 100 per meal. I'm still fatiguing a bit easier & feel like I could injure myself easily, so I'm using a little bit lighter weight and going for 12-15 reps each set but I don't feel like I'm going to constantly cramp. Also, I have been drinking more water.

Yesterday, I did 40 minutes of cardio and after 33 minutes I started getting really light headed. I thought I was going to faint. As soon as I got through, I had a quick meal and within 30 minutes I was fine. I guess I got my blood sugar a little too low...guessing it is also an indicator that I'm keeping just enough food in my system from meal to meal.

[Nekrawulf]

How is your magnesium and potassium intake?

In high volume weeks I have to supplement these 2 minerals into my diet, as hydration simply wont cut it.

2 great sources for both are Bananas and Coconut Water(not milk)

[SonofBone]

I've not looked at all the foods I'm eating, but from oats and daily vitamins, I see roughly the following:

potassium 1130 mg -- ~32% RDA -- oats, wheat bran, carrots & protein powder
Iodine (as potassium iodide) -- 150 mcg 100% RDA -- daily vitamin
magnesium 140 mg -- 35% RDA -- vitamin & wheat bran

I'm not very knowledgeable about vitamins/minerals, so I'm not really sure about the difference between those first two. It looks like the potassium is low, but I guess I'd have to go through every food I eat to determine exactly what I'm getting (seems like a bit of work). As I'm writing this, I'm updating the above and yeah, it does seem like I'm coming up short.

I'll throw in a banana pre-wo at least until I add in the electrolyte supplement.