You're running full speed ahead and suddenly you get an excruciating pain in your side: the dreaded side stitch. Nothing kills a good workout like getting cramps and luckily there are a few things you can do to keep them at bay. Here are five easy to follow tips:
- Try to avoid eating one to two hours before a workout. If you must eat then avoid fatty foods and proteins and stick to carbohydrates.
- Hydrate before and during exercise; contrary to popular belief, dehydration can increase muscle cramps.
- Focus on your breathing. Take a few deep breaths every once in a while to stretch your diaphragm as well as to ensure that all parts of your body are receiving the amount of oxygen they need to keep going.
- Once you first experience cramping slow down your pace until the pain subsides.
- Massaging or pressing on the area and bending over can help reduce the pain.
Do you have a no-fail remedy for side stitches? Share them below.
The breathing thing really works for me. I'll take a deep breath through my nose and then exhale slowly through my mouth making an "o" shape, making sure the air pressure is consistent throughout. If you do that like 10 times, usually the cramp goes away.
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