Need help with ab cramps

[bigbaldblue]

I have a problem with severe cramping while doing ab work. I mainly do weighted crunches with some other things added in. If I push myself too hard, I can get a major cramp in my abs which can cause me to double over until it relaxes. I don't think it is a question of form because it can come on different exercises. Any insight or suggestions to lessen the cramps so I can increase intensity would be appreciated. Could it be some biological or maybe nutritional factor? Thanks

 

[huskyguy]

Part of the problem may be nutrition, sometimes not enough potassium can cause cramping. Most likely your ab muscles need a good stretch. Stretching before and after ab work should help.

 

[pullinbig]

do you do your abs on back and leg days or on a seperate day?

 

[bigbaldblue]

I don't train abs consistently on one day or another. I do train them last when included in a workout. I have kind of avoided training them due to the cramps. I have some decent development from deads.

 

[pullinbig]

try them after squats and deads. that may help with cramping and also loosen the lumbar up some.

 

[joshbeam1]

Eat more bananas. U might be low on potassium.

 

[EEthanShire]

A good stretch does wonders.
Arch your back until you feel your muscles stretch out in the adominal area.

 

[inked1]

I have no idea but will bump for an answer
I have never met anyone with ab cramps
hope you sort it out

 

[Uk Boy]

I also get ab cramps even after only a couple of high rep sets of crunches and the pain is unbelievable. It just makes you freeze and it feels like someones stuck a blade in your stomach.

 

[bigbaldblue]

It definitely sucks big time. Thanks for the help. I'll try some of the suggestions, but I'm not too big on bananas. There is no cool way to eat them. I've got squat day on Thurs., I'll let you know what happens.

 

[bigbaldblue]

I did them first today, before squats. I drank plenty of water prior and .... ....NO CRAMPS. I guess now I have to keep doing both. Thanks.

 

[Hardway]

When I dieted down and lost fat around the stomach weirdly enough my cramps disappeared. Dont know why! Except from that I upped my dosages of magnesium and potassium. Don`t know if there are any correlation, but It`s worth a try..