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How to avoid cramps when swimming?

How do I avoid hand cramps while swimming?

  • I go swimming three times a week and the last time I went I noticed my hands were cramping up. This happens during front crawl and when my fingers are together. It seems to go away when I spread them but then I'm swimming like a freak. Any ideas? Is this normal (it's never happened to me before)

  • Answer:

    OK, I've been a swimming instructor and coach for many years. It sounds like you are holding your fingers tightly together, which can contribute to cramping. Ideally your hand is in a relatively relaxed, slightly cup-shaped position. Not tight at all. Fingers not spread widely apart either, but still loose. This is a more efficient position for propulsion as well as helping prevent cramps. Simply relax a little and don't over-think your hand position. Good luck!

handrawn... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Other answers

umm i swim 6 days a week the only cramps i get are stomach cramps sometimes leg cramps (my fins are to small) eat bananas bananas are high in potassium which helps cramps when u were swimming u mite have squeezed your hands together that mite have cause your cramps but if u have a lite cramp try to swim through it unless u feel like u cant move

nathan t

i'm a swimmer and usually when you are getting cramps it is a sign of dehydration. Next time you go swimming bring gatorade or water bottle with you and take sips while your swimming. Also make sure you stay hydrated before and after.

You should try exercising your hands and see if that will help but if it doesnt then you should see a specialist or doctor!!!

Bailey K

just stretch out ur hands before. like bend ur fingers back and stuff and also stay hydrated. and it might be b/c ur form isnt rite so id check that too..

xlollipop017x

Ive never gotten a hand cramp but to avoid all cramps when swimming its always good to warm up and stretch... maybe ur using wrong form or somethin ive never heard of getting hand cramps from swimming

c93swimmer

No it is not normal. If you swim 3 times a week and the hand cramps have not happened before, I would say you may be dehydrated. Have a water bottle at the side of the pool and drink throughout the workout. I suggest a banana after the workout. Good luck!

mish

Yes, it's normal. Lactates build up and causing "the burn". It's common enough, especially in distance events. As you build up stamina and strength, the frequency of this should diminish, and like others have suggested, make sure you stay hydrated, and a banana a day is also a good idea.

GoPackGo

for the guy who has been a coach or instructor for 30 years im surprised....i told all my swimmers to stretch and eat bananas...i swam competitive for about 16 years...before every meet i ate a banana and 3 tums...calcium helps as does the potassium in the banana....also...if you drink soft drinks stay away....esp before a swim....

krimsontragedy

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