Hamstring Cramp during Legs & Glutes!

[willowe]

Hi Cathe!

I'm wondering if you can help me with something? I always get cramp whilst doing the hamstring raises in Legs and Glutes. I have adjusted my position, altered the height of the High Step up and down, and tried a hamstring stretch before doing this particular exercise, but it makes no difference. I usually have to stop doing this exercise altogether, which is a shame as it is such a great one for toning the backs of the legs! Do you think my form is off in some way? The weird thing is, it doesn't happen when I do the exercise on the stability ball in PLB!
Any ideas or solutions you may have would be gratefully received!
Thanks in advance!
Kaz

 

[DebbieH]

Hi Kaz! Is this the one where Cathe does the pulse 15~2X and then pulse 7X & down? If so, I usually switch legs for the last 7 pulses. Just seems I can work the ham better by switching for that last set. I get a break before I will start the same leg that just finished the 7 pulses and by the time I do the 15's, I switch legs again for the last 7X. Oh boy, did this make sense???
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[CathydsRNA]

Sometimes this happens to me..I thunk due to a buildup of lactic acid. I just pause the tape for a few seconds and stretch my leg and then resume. I think switching legs is also a good idea as suggested above.

 

[Alexis52]

I have the same problem. I jump up almost screaming in agony! I'm thinking it's because I have tight hamstrings to begin with. And after working my legs so hard, they just cramp up easily. When I do L&G, if I remember, I do those hamstring/glute raises right after warming up. No problem when I throw it in there. Alexis

 

[willowe]

Thanks for the advice!

The problem is that my hamstring goes into cramp in the first couples of pulses - how weak am I, Lol?!

Debbie - doing those last 7 pulses on the other leg is a really good idea - I will give this a try (and yes, I did understand what you meant!! )

Cathy - I think I also have tight hamstrings and there is definitely a build up of lactic acid in my legs at this point from all that has gone before, Lol! I have tried stopping and stretching, but this doesn't seem to make any difference

Alexis - this is also a great idea - having the DVD means I can skip forward and do the hamstrings first! I know when I do PLB, I always do the stability ball work first as my legs are just too fried if I leave it until the end. Maybe this is why I don't get the cramp doing this workout? Hmmn - I will try this out and let you know!

Many thanks for your suggestions!

Kaz x

 

[DebbieH]

Kaz!

Another approach would be to switch after EACH set, so in other words, switch legs after the first set of 15 pulses and do the other leg and then, come switch back AGAIN for the 7X pulses. Of course, you have to remember which leg you started so you start the other one next time. I have done this before, not because I cramp, but just because I feel it MORE in my hams when they are not as fatigued, but yet I work them just as many times. Now, if you understand THIS, you are doing great!
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[willowe]

RE: Kaz!

Hi Debbie!

I DO understand what you mean, Lol! Is it "great minds think alike" or "fools never differ"?? - the first one I like to think I will definitely try it both ways next time I do L&G.

I know exactly what you mean about working HARDER when the muscle has been allowed to rest a little. I always stop and take a little rest and stretch between sides on those standing leg extensions and abduction raises with the leg weights. If I don't I find that the leg which was previously supporting my weight is just too fatigued for me to make it through all the reps on the other side. Now - does THAT make sense, he he!! :7

Kaz x

 

[DebbieH]

RE: Kaz!

Yep, makes TOTAL sense! Great minds DO think alike! :7 BTW, L&G's is one of my very fav Cathe's...LOVE it!
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!