Vitamins/Hydration Advise

[Andyup]

 Hello everyone. I'm fairly new to fitbit, but have been workout out all my life. I frequently have leg muscle cramping problems, primarily after workouts. I try and drink enough water, both during workouts and after. My calf muscles always appear as if they're moving, especially after a hard workout. My calves and my feet are primarily were most of the cramps happen. Has anyone else experienced this? I've tried taking all sorts of vitamins but nothing seems to help. Any advise? Thanks!

[Heather-S · Accepted solution]

Cramping can be a result of low potassium. Try eating more potassium-rich foods like avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, beans, and beets (all have more potassium than bananas). 

Depending on what types of workouts you’re doing, you may be sweating out a lot of salt from your body which also can result in muscle cramping. I know that when my runs start pushing 6 miles, I need a small bottle of Gatorade to add back in salt and electrolytes. I’m a heavy sweater also! 

You can overhydrate with too much water and dilute the salt content in your body if you’re sweating heavily. A regular weight workout shouldn’t do this, but it can be a concern for long-distance runs if you aren’t adding back in salt and electrolytes. 

A daily multivitamin may also help a little, but be sure to consult your doctor first.

[Andyup]

Thanks for the info! I usually eat healthy, but will try and get more of that stuff on the plate. 

I usually do a small amount of running (1 to 2 miles per day), weightlifting and a lot of HIIT exercises. I sweat a lot too! Good idea to add some electrolytes to the mix. I try and avoid all sugar so I'm find some tablets I can add to water.

Thanks!