Cramping up, possible inbalances?

**Steel_UK** · June 21st, 2009, 08:29 AM

Hi again, been away on holiday for the past two weeks hence my absence!

When sat in the back of my mate's Discovery for a few hours every other day as we travelled from one campsite to the other, I'd find my knees would start to ache. The knee itself doesn't ache, but rather the exact areas that sometimes can be sore after some intensive quad exercising. It was just above the knee cap, and the impression I was getting was that it was the ligaments or tendons were aching because of being under constant loading. i.e. the quad muscles were cramping up and pulling ever so slightly.

It then got me thinking that I need to probably strengthen my hamstrings as they're one of the parts that are now lagging behind a bit to everything else. Not wanting to sound like a bodybuilder (because I'm not), but my quads have become considerably larger whereas side view the hamstrings are visibly lacking. Could this be the cause of my discomforts?

Bear in mind my legs are almost ninety degrees in the back of this vehicle. When I get out and walk about the aching begins to fade away and if I'm in the front passenger seat I don't suffer as I can have my legs further out forwards.

Thoughts anyone? It's the only time I've experienced this, and really the only time I've had my legs almost stationary for long periods like this for years.

**Insex** · July 1st, 2009, 06:58 PM

I doubt you have any significant muscle imbalances. Sounds like you were just sore from all the activity from camping (hiking, climbing, ect.). Sitting in a motor vehicle for extended periods of time can be reason for cramping up too; keeping your legs in a bent position for a long time can cut off blood flow to the lower legs too. Also, maybe you were dehydrated.

**A1food4U** · July 1st, 2009, 07:28 PM

Usually it all stems from hydration. Your sweating and electrolytes are seeping out your pores. Potasium deficiency sets in and whalla, CRAMPS. If you were enjoying an ale beverage or two this can make it worse.... Trust me, I know....

Check these out Dehydration Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Signs and Effects on MedicineNet.com or Muscle Cramps Causes, Cramping Prevention and Treatment Information on MedicineNet.com good reading

**pliny_2001** · July 1st, 2009, 08:03 PM

I'm with the other guys on this, in that it's probably not due to an imbalance. But if you are training quads at the expense of hams, you will eventually become unbalanced which may lead to some performance and aesthetic issues later.

So train hammies some more! (Everybody else neglects them)

**Steel_UK** · July 3rd, 2009, 01:39 PM

Cheers for the responses. Maybe it was hydration issues, although I usually had an entire big bottle or two to myself each day (the big coke/lemonade sized ones, just filled with water).

I've started training my hamstrings specifically too, and it's like coming but I can feel it all down my hamstrings and no wet patches. It's awesome.