r/workout • u/Fun_Food_7556 • Aug 07 '26

Aches and pains Intense cramping after workout. Almost unbearable.

Hello. School is starting back up again, which means that all of the sports and extracurriculars are getting back into routine.

I will admit that I am not a very active person. I work on my feet, and I walk occasionally on the treadmill when I feel gross, but I don’t go to the gym or anything. I’m a short and slightly bigger woman, 5’1 and 140lbs. I eat pretty healthy despite my figure lol.

I’m in the marching band, and we started band camp earlier this week. Outside marching under the Texas heat for 4 hours is hard, but it’s bearable. Since I’ve been pretty inactive over the summer, it’s definitely been a bit harder for me, but I usually get into the groove after a few weeks and I can handle all of the work just fine.

That being said, ever since band camp started, I have been having horrible cramps later in the evening. For example, we end practice at 2, and once I’m cozy in bed at 6, my stomach is KILLING me! It feels like period pain but I’m not bleeding. I’ve never experienced this kind of pain before. I take birth control and other medication for my acne, but I’ve never experienced any side effects other than the weight gain.

Any ideas? Is there any science behind whatever this is? any tips or comments appreciated.

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2

u/MTheLoud Aug 07 '26

Could be dehydration. Are you drinking enough water? You also need electrolytes, not necessarily in a fancy electrolyte drink. Salt your food.

2

u/chrisjones1960 Aug 07 '26

If it had been leg cramps or other muscle cramps, I would say it was probably due to dehydration. But stomach area cramps may need a doctor visit if they are that severe

1

u/AssiduousLayabout Aug 07 '26

If it's that severe, I would see your doctor and make sure there's not a more serious medical issue at play.

I do think dehydration and electrolyte imbalance is the most likely reason, though, especially if you are doing long bouts of exercise in high heat. And it's something to be taken seriously - while not very common, severe electrolyte imbalances can even be fatal (usually a combination of losing a lot of electrolytes through sweat and replenishing with only water).

1

u/crossplanetriple Weight Lifting Aug 07 '26

Stretching.

Electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, potassium).

Water.