If you experience stomach cramps after working out, there is a variety of possible causes. Some common and simple causes include eating hard-to-digest food before exercising, irregular breathing while exercising, failing to stretch correctly before each workout and dehydration. If none applies to you, consult your doctor to receive a diagnosis -- it may be related to a more serious health issue that should be cared for under medical supervision.
Exercising With a Full Belly
You should avoid eating heavy meals or drinking a lot of liquids two to three hours before working out to avoid stomach cramps after your exercise routine. Working out on a full belly interferes with your natural digestive process and causes your muscles to cramp. Heavy greasy foods, such as french fries, as well as foods rich in fiber -- including brown rice and highly fibrous veggies, such as celery and bamboo shoots -- are those you should avoid eating before exercising. It takes your stomach longer to digest them, and if you don't allow this process to unfold before a workout, you may not only experience stomach cramping but also bloating and flatulence or gas.
Lack of Stretching
Stomach cramps after exercising can be caused by accidentally pulling muscles while you were working out because you weren't properly warmed up and stretched out. if this happens, like flat on your back and bring your arms up above your head. This will stretch out your abdominal muscles and bring relief to the cramps. You can also try placing a hot water bottle in the abdominal area where you are experiencing pain. This will soothe your muscles and help you recover.
Dehydration
When you are not properly hydrated, your stomach has a hard time digesting any food and can lead to stomach cramps after you work out. Although it is not advisable to drink a lot of water right before your routine, you should drink throughout the day to be fully hydrated when you exercise. It is also important to replenish the water you lose through sweat by properly hydrating after your workout.
Women
If you're a woman, you may experience stomach cramps after exercising if you are coming close to your menstrual period or are already bleeding. Avoid strenuous exercise during these times and allow your body to go through it's natural process before engaging in a workout routine that causes you stomach cramps and discomfort.
