Cramping 2.5 weeks out

[qbanfreak90]

So im cramping like crazy to the point that I cannot flex my hamstrings.. even in the offseason I would have this problem but not as bad as is happening right now.. I'm 2.5 weeks out and posing is becoming an issue. any suggestion as why this is happening..?

What can I do the day of the show to alleviate this problem?

I'm currently fluctuating between 169lb - 171lb.

[ShelbyStarnes]

Make sure you're getting adequate sodium.
If that's covered, try taurine - 2 grams, 3 times daily.

[sassy69]

Sounds like you're right about on schedule. You might also include potassium & magnesium supps.

[Flex500]

if you are having camping issues a lot...which you are based on your comment I'd get some bloodwork done and see if there is something going on.

[clarkf]

typically I would say hydration, but you say it happens all year, in the offseason? Perhaps blood work to check would be best at this point

[DR.BB]

I'll say the obvious and say let's rule out clen use?. I get major cramps and sometimes can't do abs. What has helped me is something called "Electrolyte Hydrator" from Vegan Sport and designed for marathon runners. I add it to Scivation BCAA intraworkout and haven't cramped in the month or more that I have been doing it. I also learned that we need lot more Potassium than supps and food provide especially for those cutting carbs. I don't know but it is my first time I haven't cramped up in a long time. Great to see Shelby Starnes posting as I have learned a lot from his online articles.

[sassy69]

I'll say the obvious and say let's rule out clen use?. I get major cramps and sometimes can't do abs. What has helped me is something called "Electrolyte Hydrator" from Vegan Sport and designed for marathon runners. I add it to Scivation BCAA intraworkout and haven't cramped in the month or more that I have been doing it. I also learned that we need lot more Potassium than supps and food provide especially for those cutting carbs. I don't know but it is my first time I haven't cramped up in a long time. Great to see Shelby Starnes posting as I have learned a lot from his online articles.

Shelby rocks!

[Waylon]

Make sure you're getting adequate sodium.
If that's covered, try taurine - 2 grams, 3 times daily.

This.

I find when I eat "clean" even in off season it tends to flush me out if I'm not making sure to add extra sodium to my food (only amplified when contest dieting). Good indication you aren't cheating on your diet, but at the same time 2 weeks out you can afford to keep some necessary electrolytes in your system.

[Dan Kennedy]

Taurine is for clen cramps. Try Quinine. If you can't get an Rx for it then try soda water (naturally contains quinine).

[qbanfreak90]

This is my first and natural bodybuilding show in my life, I don't know why this is happening... i don't season or put any salt on my food, I eat it the way it comes and that's it. maybe that's the reason why Im cramping

[Waylon]

This is my first and natural bodybuilding show in my life, I don't know why this is happening... i don't season or put any salt on my food, I eat it the way it comes and that's it. maybe that's the reason why Im cramping

Combine this with "clean" foods that typically don't have lots of sodium on top of water still flushing out the system and you are in for a world of pain as you now know.

Try adding sodium (if it doesn't mess with your 'peak week') and tell us if that helps.

[Dan Kennedy]

The real secret to sodium is to keep it high or keep it low. Problems occur when you change it. So if you haven't been adding sodium then it will take time for your body to adjust when you add it back in - water retention. If you are close to the show don't change it.

[qbanfreak90]

today I'm exactly 14 days out, im pretty sure is the amount of water that im drinking and the low sodium i'm not going to make any changes now because is too late but for the next show i will never make this mistake ever again.

[Baldiewonkanobi]

Canada Dry Tonic Water contains quinine and only 90 cals. Only place you can get it without a scrip. A good potassium/quinine fix for cramping is 1/2 cantalope with a sprinkle of salt and a tonic water.

And good grief 14 days out is not too soon to right the ship if its listing. I have done a 3 days out disaster change and won a show or two.

Baldie

[Mt. St. Gabriel]

[QUOTE=qbanfreak90;1880363]This is my first and natural bodybuilding show in my life, I don't know why this is happening... i don't season or put any salt on my food, I eat it the way it comes and that's it. maybe that's the reason why Im cramping[/QU
You should have sodium high rite now. Sodium helps with muscle contraction and muscle hydration keep it in until 3 days out begin to reduce slightly until the show. Sodium is an important electrolyte and wont hurt your look.