Preventing Cramps During Your Holiday Fun Run
By Virginia Laird
Do you have a Rudolph run or a jingle bell jog in your near future? Each year, in communities across the country, many set out to enjoy the festivities of the holidays, which includes holiday fun runs. If you are one who enjoys a holiday race, you may have already experienced the pain associated with muscle cramps. Health and wellness experts admit there are many reasons that cramps take over the body. For many, these cramps can easily be prevented. A few tips to try if you are experiencing cramps include:
- Make sure to maintain proper hydration
- Replenish electrolytes often
- Make sleep a priority as the race approaches
Make Sure to Maintain Proper Hydration
Preventing cramps in the legs when working out begins with proper hydration. For many, this can require you to put down the soda and juice and reach instead for water. It is suggested the you drink at least half of your body weight in ounces each day. Keeping the muscles properly hydrated can prevent muscle fatigue, which can lead to cramps. Start today drinking plenty of water to help keep your muscles cramp-free.
Replenish Electrolytes Often
Research suggests as you exercise that the body loses sodium and potassium through sweat. These are vital elements the body needs to thrive, as well as avoid muscle cramps. Health and wellness experts suggest that those who exercise often, including running should make certain to replenish these electrolytes often. This can be done by consuming a variety of things. A few things that can be considered when trying to replace sodium and potassium include:
- Bananas
- Pickles
- Gatorade
- PowerAde
Make Sleep a Priority as the Race Approaches
The body needs sleep to build energy. This is especially true when preparing for a race. Whether you take this race seriously or not, it is necessary to treat the preparation with care and make sure you do not skip any steps. Sleep is one of the first steps in a successful race. It is suggested that the average adult should get at least six hours of sleep each night. When trying to prepare for a big race, you may need a little more than this.
Now is the time to begin preparing for your race. Take this advice to help make your race a great, cramp-free effort.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Greenville, S.C.