Leg cramps = dehydration?

[LanaBear]

Not a good workout today. I run on the treadmill 30 minutes a day, for some reason today about 10 minutes in, my right calf completely cramped up, hard! I hopped off, stretched it out and got back on, the next 5 minutes was far from enjoyable. So I cut my losses and got off. Finished the rest of my workout like arms and abs.

But do you think it is a sign of dehydration? I drink a lot of water, but we've been spending a lot of time outside the last week or so, with the heat, maybe my water intake isn't where it should be???...

[Leslie1100]

I will sometimes get calf cramps too when working out. Usually it is lack of potassium for me though. You can tell if your dehydrated if your hamstrings are really sore too. How much water do you drink? I try to get around 120 ounces especially when I'm working out. On hot days you also need to drink more!

[LanaBear]

Yeah - I kind of eliminated the dehydration... I drink around 110oz or so, on average. Never anything than 96 though (3 Nalgene bottles).

It hasn't happened since a few days after I posted this initially. I've been trying to stretch more and I changed my diet slightly, actually now that I think about it, I've been eating more potassium rich foods... Huh? Maybe that was it.

[WildChild]

I slice a banana on to my Cherrios every morning for the potassium, rarely cramp.

[LanaBear]

I have been eating a lot more bananas this last month. Been craving them actually. Usually one in the morning and one after dinner or so. I wonder if the craving has to do with me knowing I was low... You know how they say pregnant women will crave the smell/taste of dirt and that it means an iron deficiency...

I hadn't thought of cramping as a result of a deficiency... I was just thinking water at the time even though I thought it unlikely with as high as my intake always is.

[shweedart]

Cramping can be caused simply by overexertion give your leggy-pegs a day off

[Leslie1100]

Sometimes your electrolites can be off too. If you are drinking too much water and not getting the right nutrients, you could have an electrolite balance issue too. I train legs twice a week with cardio 4x per week. I will sometimes get cramps but I stretch more too. I think it is funny how you are craving bananas! I have learned that my cravings are usually what my body needs! Listen to your body and it will tell you. I especially like the craving of chocolate around that time of the month! I think that is my brain though! Happy lifting!

[ErwinD]

Eating a banana is good. It is easily absorbed by the body. It can help with dealing with electrolyte imbalance.