Why do my Quads Cramp Up after Leg Day

[dreamcrusher]

I'm currently doing 5/3/1 and I don't know why but everytime on leg day, once I'm done and later in the day, my quads cramp up. Specifically, my inner quads (Vastus Medialis). I can't figure as to what might be causing this? I notice that it's more severe when I do leg extensions.

Anyone ever have this happen and how did you fix it?

And yes I hydrate properly.

 

[Sean1332]

What do you do for warmups/stretching/mobility

 

[dreamcrusher]

What do you do for warmups/stretching/mobility

I usually start off by doing a light 5 minute jog on the treadmill or 5 minutes on the elliptical. I then stretch the groin, glutes, hip flexors, hamstrings and then warm-up with the prescribed weight in the 5/3/1 program.

 

[Skipper999]

Do a cool down after.
Think about if you have muscle imbalances that could be straining the quads as a result.

 

[TheMovement]

Foam roll the anterior portion of your leg and see if ya find a trigger point. Bet ya find more than 1 tender spot but observe for a muscle spasm or referred pain associated with one spot in particular.

 

[PaulBlack]

Are you using creatine?

 

[drinkyboy]

I have this happen but the only way it doesn't happen to me is if I don't give it my all or lift like a wuss. Seriously. I would say eat for repair, hydration, potassium and creatine should help.

 

[dreamcrusher]

I am taking creatine and also suspect that I might have a muscle imbalance with my inner quads in which they are being over worked some how.

I will definitely start doing some foam rolling after my workouts to avoid any soreness and loosen the muscles up.

I am on my second cycle of the 5/3/1 program and it is brutal but I like it. What supplement has done wonders for recovery for you?

I am thinking of getting some HMB to aid with recovery. Any suggestions?

 

[drinkyboy]

I have not found anything that makes it stop. I have had some relief using muscle cream from efts, ice and mamouth amounts of calories lol.

 

[PaulBlack]

I am taking creatine and also suspect that I might have a muscle imbalance with my inner quads in which they are being over worked some how.

2 cents...
Not sure specifically if an imbalance would cause cramps.
I might get off the creatine for a few weeks or so and see if they stop.
I go by making the easiest single changes, then one can usually zero in, on what actually is the cause.

Not sure about the HMB and it is costly. Magnesium may help however.

 

[TexasGuy]

Magnesium works wonders. Personally, I like a hot bath with epsom salt twice per week, and one of the days is always a leg day. Extremely relaxing.

With that said, make sure you are actually hydrated. Drink as much water as you think you should each day and then a little more, especially if you take a bath, they make you sweat too.

Stretch after you workout. And after a hot bath. You are warmed up, loose, can reach a little further and loosen up tight muscles.

Try a mineral supplement, not just magnesium, for a full spectrum of electrolytes and other minerals.

I'm not a product rep, I don't know if Millennium Sport Technologies has a presence here but I've always liked their ZMK product as part of a recovery supplement regimen. (ZMK, not ZMA)

They have another one called Athlytes as well, a specific electrolyte formulation you may want to look in to. I'm sure companies that advertise here have a similar product too.

A benefit supplements like these is that you get proper ratios. No blocked or otherwise compromised absorption issues which could also be a potential problem for you in your diet/supplement regimen.

 

[dreamcrusher]

Magnesium works wonders. Personally, I like a hot bath with epsom salt twice per week, and one of the days is always a leg day. Extremely relaxing.

With that said, make sure you are actually hydrated. Drink as much water as you think you should each day and then a little more, especially if you take a bath, they make you sweat too.

Stretch after you workout. And after a hot bath. You are warmed up, loose, can reach a little further and loosen up tight muscles.

Try a mineral supplement, not just magnesium, for a full spectrum of electrolytes and other minerals.

I'm not a product rep, I don't know if Millennium Sport Technologies has a presence here but I've always liked their ZMK product as part of a recovery supplement regimen. (ZMK, not ZMA)

They have another one called Athlytes as well, a specific electrolyte formulation you may want to look in to. I'm sure companies that advertise here have a similar product too.

A benefit supplements like these is that you get proper ratios. No blocked or otherwise compromised absorption issues which could also be a potential problem for you in your diet/supplement regimen.

I actually have some ZMK but haven't been taking it because I was PCT (550-XD) and was taking PCT Black with 3G of DAA at bedtime (10 caps total!) so I didn't want to take 14 caps but now that I'm off I will be taking it again.

 

[TexasGuy]

I actually have some ZMK but haven't been taking it because I was PCT (550-XD) and was taking PCT Black with 3G of DAA at bedtime (10 caps total!) so I didn't want to take 14 caps but now that I'm off I will be taking it again.

It's entirely possible you were dehydrated taking all those capsules before a 7-8 hour break from any water intake. I'm not familiar with the specific products you took but many PCT products can have a "drying" effect. I have a feeling as you close out those bottles you won't be experiencing your extreme cramps, in the mean time, up your water intake.

 

[pyrobatt]

I'm currently doing 5/3/1 and I don't know why but everytime on leg day, once I'm done and later in the day, my quads cramp up. Specifically, my inner quads (Vastus Medialis). I can't figure as to what might be causing this? I notice that it's more severe when I do leg extensions.

Anyone ever have this happen and how did you fix it?

And yes I hydrate properly.

One word. Potassium. Simple answer if you're deficient. Potassium and sodium are very important. Track it.4.5 grams is recommended for athletes.

 

[dreamcrusher]

Will start monitoring sodium and potassium.