If you are cramping while working out, there are a number of conditions that may be causing the problem. For example, exercise can result in digestive issues. However, if cramping happens often, you need to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. The digestive tract is complex and many things happen at once. Only your doctor can tell exactly what might be causing your discomfort. The pain probably falls into one of three categories: digestive, muscular, or something more systemic such as heat stroke. Understanding how to interrupt the pain may help determine the cause.
Pinpoint the Pain
Your abdomen has a number of muscles, many of which may be working hard during your exercise. Muscle soreness is not the same as cramping. The pain from working the muscles will be more constant, but duller, while cramping will be a sudden and sharp pain. Digestive pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such nausea or belching. Heat stroke will make you feel tired, your heart will be beating fast and you may feel dizzy while you are cramping up.
Muscle Cramping
This is sometimes known as a side stitch. Muscle cramps to this area may be the result of a decrease in oxygen. For example, when you run, your legs require more oxygen and your body must redistribute to accommodate. You will be breathing fast and probably moving fast, as well. When you get the cramp, slow down, but you don't necessarily need to stop completely. Massage the cramp. This will stimulate the muscle and should reduce the pain.
Exercise-Induced Digestive Problems
Rice University states that 40 to 50 percent of runners deal with pain and discomfort from their digestive tracts. Symptoms that may accompany your cramps include burping, passing gas, nausea, diarrhea and feeling bloated. Running is more likely to cause problems than swimming or bike riding. Dehydration is another possibility. Intense exercise increases the digestion of food and liquids. You also lose water through sweat. Once you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Rice suggests you try to drink up to 600 ml of cold water before working out. Reducing dehydration may help improve the stomach problems.
Heat Stroke
There are other things that could be triggering the stomach cramps. One possibility is heat stroke. If the cramping is unusual for you and it is hot outside, the heat may be too much. Stop what you are doing and rest in a cool area. If you feel faint, sick to your stomach and have stopped sweating, you may need a doctor. Heat stroke can be life-threatening. If you feel bad, don't take the chance. If you are sweating profusely, are thirsty and have a headache, these may be symptoms of heat exhaustion. Only you know how you feel. The best option is to sit for a few minutes, sip some water slowly and see if the stomach cramps diminish. If not, see your doctor or go to the hospital for evaluation.
