How to Get Rid of Side Cramps

Side cramps which occur during exercise most often occur because your body needs time to adjust to strenuous activity and the release of chemicals from the muscles during exercise. Luckily, there are some easy ways to get rid of side cramps quickly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise. This helps to flush the chemicals released from muscles during physical activity. Never exercise within three hours of eating, as a full intestinal tract can trigger side cramps.
2. Breathe slowly and deeply during exercise, backing off a bit if you feel that you cannot catch your breath. If you feel a side cramp coming on, slow down, but do not stop moving. Place your arm on the same side of the body over your head and breathe. The cramp should pass quickly.
3. Slow down to a walk or stop completely if the side cramp does not pass quickly. Keep your arm raised and cross your opposite arm over your body to place pressure on the cramped area. Stand up straight and breathe deeply and then stretch gently in the opposite direction of the cramp. Try not to stop moving for too long, or you will lose your momentum; however, stopping until the cramp passes may be your only option.
4. Keep good, upright posture as you exercise. Leaning forward can compress the abdominal contents and trigger side cramps.
5. Work on strengthening your abdominal muscles, particularly if you experience reoccurring side cramps. Performing a variety of calisthenic exercises which work the abdomen before embarking on a run or aerobic exercise can help to prevent side cramps from happening.