Post by jaxonc2 on Dec 3, 2003 20:34:20 GMT -5
Muscle Cramps –
We’ve all had ‘em,
we all hate ‘em, 
and none of us want to experience another one. 
But what are they really, what causes ‘em, and how can we avoid ‘em.
Painful, involuntary contractions of skeletal muscle that occur during or right after a workout, cramps are very common; especially after long haul workouts. Riding the machines can very easily classify as a ‘long haul workout’.
Some think that cramping occurs due to working out in extreme temperatures (hot/cold) while others hold to dehydration leading to an electrolyte imbalance. While both may seem right at times, a new contention is that cramps are caused by “abnormal spinal reflex activity”. Basically a muscle becomes fatigued from excess use causing the normal ‘relax’ mechanism of the brain to be overridden by signals from the spinal chord telling the muscle to continue to flex.
Generally, to get rid of one, we just try to stretch the muscle as far as we can and hold it there until the pain goes away and the cramping stops. But keep in mind that plenty of liquids are also important if cramping occurs. Most of us only experience the basic cramps but some people can suffer cramps due to medical conditions. If disorientation or loss of consciousness occurs, or if you experience dark pee or a real hard time peeing for 24 hours you should seek medical attention.
Thank goodness there is something we can do to avoid getting a muscle cramp. ;D A good exercise program geared toward conditioning the muscles (especially the ones prone to cramping) is the best means of overcoming muscle fatigue.
Riding trails, the lower legs and forearms seem like the main target. Develop the habit of stretching the muscles before you ride as well as after you exercise. Holding a stretch rather than flexing in and out or bouncing is the most productive. 
Hope this helps. And remember – eat well and drink plenty of fluids.
We’ve all had ‘em,
we all hate ‘em, 
and none of us want to experience another one. 
But what are they really, what causes ‘em, and how can we avoid ‘em.
Painful, involuntary contractions of skeletal muscle that occur during or right after a workout, cramps are very common; especially after long haul workouts. Riding the machines can very easily classify as a ‘long haul workout’.
Some think that cramping occurs due to working out in extreme temperatures (hot/cold) while others hold to dehydration leading to an electrolyte imbalance. While both may seem right at times, a new contention is that cramps are caused by “abnormal spinal reflex activity”. Basically a muscle becomes fatigued from excess use causing the normal ‘relax’ mechanism of the brain to be overridden by signals from the spinal chord telling the muscle to continue to flex.
Generally, to get rid of one, we just try to stretch the muscle as far as we can and hold it there until the pain goes away and the cramping stops. But keep in mind that plenty of liquids are also important if cramping occurs. Most of us only experience the basic cramps but some people can suffer cramps due to medical conditions. If disorientation or loss of consciousness occurs, or if you experience dark pee or a real hard time peeing for 24 hours you should seek medical attention.
Thank goodness there is something we can do to avoid getting a muscle cramp. ;D A good exercise program geared toward conditioning the muscles (especially the ones prone to cramping) is the best means of overcoming muscle fatigue.
Riding trails, the lower legs and forearms seem like the main target. Develop the habit of stretching the muscles before you ride as well as after you exercise. Holding a stretch rather than flexing in and out or bouncing is the most productive. 
Hope this helps. And remember – eat well and drink plenty of fluids.
stay vertical 
