Cramp

[clarew]

Hi Guys,

Recently started to learn snorkelling in the pool. Unfortunately only after a few minutes or less I get gramp in my calves and toes. (fins are the right size)

I am slim, 26 years old, don't smoke and run 9 miles every other day with no problem.

Has anybody got any tips to avoid cramp.

Thanks

Clare

XX

[Daniology]

Which fins have you got?

In general eat bannanas, try softening the blades by the fire or other available heat source (not to close and this does tend to reduce the life span a bit). Wear them in the house while watching telly and flapp you're feet up and down to get used to them.

[Andy Wade]

Hi Guys,

Recently started to learn snorkelling in the pool. Unfortunately only after a few minutes or less I get gramp in my calves and toes. (fins are the right size)

I am slim, 26 years old, don't smoke and run 9 miles every other day with no problem.

Has anybody got any tips to avoid cramp.

Thanks

Clare
XX

You use different muscle groups for finning, well the same ones generally but in a different way from running.
This cramp is caused by finning too much from the lower leg rather than the upper leg. The gluteous maximus is named for a good reason.
Emphasise your finning from the hip and upper leg rather than below the knee, get the big muscles working and you'll get through this with no problem.
It's all about technique. And it's far more efficient for air consumption.
I'm a bit overweight and 47 years old, but I bet I could beat you in a finning race.
Well maybe until you get the hang of it anyway.
Then I'll be toast.... :D

[ChrisA]

like already has been said , you are using a different muscle group , until you have strengthend it you may get cramp , try altering your finning style frog , flutter etc. also stay hydrated as this can cause cramps.:)

[Cornholio]

Hi Clare,

As they said above, it takes a little while to build up the strength. Doesn't take too long though :)

I see that you have also posted the same question on a freediving forum. Are you finning on the surface or underwater? Swimming while holding your breath leads to a build-up of lactic acid, which can feel jolly unpleasant.

Cheers,

Gavin.

[Daniology]

All far more sensible replies than mine. Though a banana before you go is a good idea. I also know people who swear by a couple of cubes of jelly before they get in the water.

Though as mentioned above your bum is probably worked the hardest other groups of muscles that are put under a lot of strain include your lower back and your abdominals. I think a few good exercises to build up strength in these include:

Lying on your front, back and neck straight, and slowly lifting each leg in turn. When you get used to this do it with fins on.

Lying on your back do the same thing.

When your used to all of that try lifting both legs at the same time first without fins and then with.

I'm not a physio so I'm open to criticism on these. I don't want anyone to get hurt doing them.

[Daniology]

P.S. I think she's a hockey player ;)

[John Williams]

I think you've all missed the important part of Clare's post....

I am slim, 26 years old, don't smoke and run 9 miles every other day with no problem.

Send us yer address and 'phone number love and I'll be happy to come round an massage yer calves (and yer thighs if yer like) until all them bananas and exercises wot them others are talkin' about kick in!

Phnarr Phnarr!;)

On a more serious note Clare...

the advice given is sound. Someone who takes her health as seriously as you do (Andy and I would consider running 9 miles every other decade more than sufficient!) will understand about diet and the need to warm up properly and to undertake a staged build up of stamina in any muscle group.

You'll also understand about resting muscles that have gone into cramp before using them again too soon!

Hope you continue to persevere and to enjoy your snorkelling!

John

[Ed Howarth]

Although not the same sort of problem that Clare is suffering from, I would get really bad cramp during my second dive, pretty well every time. It was not a case of not being dive fit as I dive every other week and am usually in the pool on a Thursday night. It all arose from getting up early with a quick cup of coffee, doing the first dive and then eating the first food of the day at lunch time. I now make sure that I have a sticky cereal bar type thingy at 9.00 ish and eat normally at mid day. It has cured the problem completely. Obvious really!

I am sure that a banana would do the same thing, with more comedic potential, but I hate bananas.:eek:

Ed

[John Williams]

Although not the same sort of problem that Clare is suffering from, I would get really bad cramp during my second dive, pretty well every time. It was not a case of not being dive fit as I dive every other week and am usually in the pool on a Thursday night. It all arose from getting up early with a quick cup of coffee, doing the first dive and then eating the first food of the day at lunch time. I now make sure that I have a sticky cereal bar type thingy at 9.00 ish and eat normally at mid day. It has cured the problem completely. Obvious really!

I am sure that a banana would do the same thing, with more comedic potential, but I hate bananas.:eek:

Ed

Sorry Ed....not popping round to your gaff to massage your calves....Clare made a much better case for my ministrations!:p

John

[Ed Howarth]

Sorry Ed....not popping round to your gaff to massage your calves....Clare made a much better case for my ministrations!:p

John

I'll pay!

[Daniology]

I'll pay!
Is he that good then?

[Andy Wade]

I think you've all missed the important part of Clare's post....



Send us yer address and 'phone number love and I'll be happy to come round an massage yer calves (and yer thighs if yer like) until all them bananas and exercises wot them others are talkin' about kick in!

Phnarr Phnarr!;)

John

The 9 miles Clare mentions are from running away from pervs like you. :D

[clarew]

Thanks for all the offers and the tips. I really appreciate it.

Clare

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