Calf and foot cramps are very common when you first start doing ground grappling or Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. I remember when I first started grappling, I experienced a few very crippling cramps, a couple of which were so bad that I was crying out in pain.The best way to avoid them is to drink plenty of water before and while training. Many cramps arise as a result of dehydration. When cramps do arise, stop what you're doing, breathe and stretch out the muscle and drink some water. It's the same stretching technique whether it's your foot or your calf. Grab the ball of your foot and extend your leg out from the heel.
As you get stronger and your body becomes more accustomed to grappling / BJJ, the cramps will be come less frequent. I don't remember the last time I had one now.
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3 comments:
It is quite comman. I used to experience cramps also when a started grappling.
I was told by a fitness expert that cramps are associated also with too litlle OR too much salt intake.
I get foot cramps both when we wrestle and sometimes when I point my foot alot as in repetive kick practice. I drink incessantly but then, I sweat a lot too.
It helps if you drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just while you're working out. Water absorption takes time, so the benefits don't hit you right away. I wrote a blog post on how to stay hydrated.
Also, as Mark pointed out, it's also about having the optimum level of salt in your system.
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