Could not stretching before running cause cramps?

Question

If so what stretchs can I do?

Answer 1

Stretching before a run does not cause cramps - warm up by a slow jog (stretching is recommended about 20 minutes after your runs)  

Should a cramp occur:  Stop running, put pressure on the cramped muscle (use your thumbs) to relieve the pain and massage your muscle.  Drink sports drink, resume slowly.  Slow down your pace and keep sipping your sports drink throughout your run.

Running  can cause excessive fluid loss from perspiration. This kind of dehydration increases the likelihood of "true" cramps. These cramps are more likely in warm weather and can be an early sign of heat stroke.   Sodium depletion has also been associated with cramps. Loss of sodium, the most abundant chemical constituent of body fluids outside the cell, is usually a function of dehydration.  Its important to be well hydrated (sipping ) and use a good sports drink - eg. ELoad Heat Endurance Sports drink.  Replaces all the potassium and sodium that is lost while running.

Answer 2

ABSOLUTELY.  Its like a car in the wintertime... you need to warm it up before taking it out to drive on the freeway.  Your muscles need to be warm as well before running or it can cause cramping and put you at more risk for a pulled muscle.  If your cramps are in your side

(abdomen), try not drinking a whole lot of water or eating just before.  If you are talking about cramps in your legs.. a few simple leg stretches are good to do before-hand.  sit on the floor with your legs in a "V" shape and spend 5 min stretching down towards your toes.

Answer 3

I tend to stretch before I run so I've never had cramps - only stitches (ouch!).

Have you got stairs - if yes, stand on them as if you were walking up. Have your toes on the edge, tip the rest of your foot backwards - this stretches the calf muscle.

To stretch the front thigh, stand, bend your right leg behind you, grasp the foot with your left hand and hold in position for 20seconds. Swap and do other side.  

To stretch the rear thigh, again, stand, but put one leg up high - balance it on the back of a chair. Hold 20secs, swap.

I've got in the habit of doing these and then doing half a dozen mini jumps with shoulder shrugs on the spot before I set off (and I do them indoors so I don't look totally weird!).

And then run, run like the wind!!

Answer 4

Hello,

Yes...stretching & hydration are the 2 best preventative measures to avoid cramps.  Try the stretching routine on the link below.  Hope that helps.

- Mike