Arrrgh!!! Went back to the gym this weekend after a two month hiatus, and while stretching on Saturday, got the worst muscle cramp ever in my calf. You know the kind–instant constricting, spasming charley horse; the kind where you feel your muscle moving but are not doing anything to make it move. It’s like an alien head is going to pop out of the calf, stick out it’s tongue and hiss. And then yesterday, I got a massive cramp in my upper back that has been radiating pain into my neck. Let me repeat…arrrgh!!!

So why the cramping? Likely, I’ve been neglecting one of the following:

1. Proper hydration–likely, since I drink 2-3 cups of coffee per day and probably haven’t been getting my daily two liter water replenish
2. Magnesium–night cramps are often due to low calcium, but otherwise, think low magnesium
3. Electrolyte imbalance–nothing a few Gatorades can’t help

Which one? My guess is it’s mostly a hydration issue, with the other two playing a minor part. I have since been a little more conscious of my water intake, started taking magnesium, and I’ll hit the G on my next couple of workouts.

For the current spasms–hot water bottle, chiropractic adjustment, massage (localized and short, five minutes…spouse’s job), some bite the bullet, you get it.