Exercise-Induced Muscle Cramps

I LOVE scientific explanations concerning exercise and the body. And this one is particularly applicable for Pilates and any sort of physical activity.

Sometimes during Pilates, especially when we are working our feet, a muscle cramp or spasm can occur. Not everyone gets them, but if you do, boy does it hurt!

The current theory of what causes them is called the neuromuscular control theory. These cramps and spasms occur because some aspect of control between the motor neuron and the muscle itself becomes altered. Often sending too many neurons to fire all at once, causing that painful cramp feeling in the belly of the muscle.

What can you do about it?

• Strengthen the area over time, stronger muscle means better neuron and muscle connection

• During the cramping episode gently stretch out the area or foam roll it. The painful cramp should go away fairly quickly

This type of cramping should not be confused with heat-related exercise-induced cramping, that is often from electrolyte depletion.

References

Kenney, W. L., Wilmore, J. H., & Costill, D. L. (2022). Physiology of sport and exercise (Eighth edition). Human Kinetic.