Abdominal muscle cramp?!?

**Erik** · 06-30-2010, 10:55

Has anyone had this happen? I finnished a set of crunchies and turned to my right, seating, from being on my back, and my abs cramped up. I was stuck hunched forward.

It took about 2-3 minutes for them to stop cramping and let me move again. I couldn't believe it.

Never experienced that before (and also have never been as out of shape as I am now). Has anyone else here? Anyone have an idea why or how this could happen?

I've had two calf cramps in my life. I'm not prone to this (usually).

**WhiteBeltJones** · 06-30-2010, 17:55

I've had the stomach muscles clench up after doing (or attempting) situps before, but they usually subside for me after 30 seconds or so.

**Rasputin** · 06-30-2010, 18:34

How often do you do abs, Erik? If it has been a while, they will be more prone to cramping.

**Erik** · 07-01-2010, 11:39

I am horrendously out of shape. It's pathetic. I worked out twice in 2010 and have been at a desk for 10-16 hours per day, 5-7 days per week.

So, that was my second workout and I cramped. Only lasted 1-2 minutes but what an eternity.

I guess it's from being out of shape, simple enough.

**Rasputin** · 07-01-2010, 11:45

So don't let it happen again. Although it isn't ideal, a little bit of exercise on a regular basis is better than no exercise at all.

10 minutes a night before you go to bed. Is that too much to ask?

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...up+bar&x=0&y=0

1. Chin ups/pull ups
2. Push-ups
3. Crunches/reverse crunches
4. Slow Deep Knee Bends (all the way down and back up)

If you are as out of shape as you claim, this will work for a while. 10-15 minutes a night and you can be back to the point where mere existence won't threaten you with cramps.

**Erik** · 07-01-2010, 12:08

Good idea. Consider it started.

I can already hear my knee and elbow popping....

**De_Franza** · 07-03-2010, 20:04

David,
Any reason why before bed? doesn't that get you pumped up and difficult to sleep? (is it just me?) why not upon rising? or any time you have 10 minutes.

I've been working out at lunch and I don't get that PM slump anymore. (also eating fewer carbs, but that's another thread)

**Rasputin** · 07-04-2010, 01:08

YMMV. I found it easier to carve out 10 minutes at bedtime, because the kids are in bed, the chores are done, and I can squeeze it in around tooth brushing and other ablutions.

Important thing is making it a part of the routine.

Why don't you go into the Nutrition section and tell us about your LC experiences, Bill?

**De_Franza** · 07-04-2010, 06:34

that makes sense, Dave.
I thought you were saying specifically at night time was beneficial.

I wouldn't say I'm formally going low carb, just lowER carb. No soda, unsweetened iced tea, a protein shake with a tablespoon or two of ground flax for breakfast instead of cereal or waffles... 1 slice of bread instead of two (whole instead of white, natch)... a few smart choices like that add up.

**Jeff C.** · 07-04-2010, 23:09

Erik, make sure you elevate your heart rate with gentle exercise, such as running in place or jumping jacks, before doing ANY strenuous, muscle-failure workout. Do you know what your training heart rate is? It really could be something that simple (as well as the obvious "don't overdo it").

Jeff Cook

**JWhiteSensei** · 08-08-2010, 09:44

Ok. I had hernia surgery last year. (My stomach not "down there"). I constantly have cramps or spasms in my abs. I'm seriously worried that something came lose. The doc told me that was impossible but I have also noticed a buldge in my stomach again when I do crunches. I had surgery there for a ruptured spleen when I was 14 and the wife says it's probably scar tissue. Think I'm going to get it checked out even if I really can't afford another 22 thousand dollar operation.

**Erik** · 08-09-2010, 10:30

Good questions, Jeff. I had been on an eliptical machine for 30 minutes at about 155-175 BPM. I think I'm just waaaay out of shape.

**MRippon** · 10-24-2010, 17:56

Hi Erik

Alot of times muscles cramps come from decreased electrolites / dehydration. If you dont like all the other crap that comes in gatorade or powerade, you can drink pedia light (yes i know its for babies).

Also you abs are just like any other muscle. They do not have to be worked out all the time. Just as Jeff C said, it could just be from overuse.

Unless you need serious muscular endurance ( IE competing) in your abdominals, you dont need to do more than your normal range of sets and reps. Example 3 sets x 10 reps.

Please take your time, posture and form are more important than how much or how many. Quality over quantity.

check out www. exrx. net sorry it wouldnt let me link it. its all one word

Good luck!