How Can a Heavy Sweater Avoid Cramps?

Question: I sweat beyond belief. Sweat runs off my face and drips like a worn faucet. Then I cramp badly, even though I drink a lot. What do you suggest? — Joe J.

Coach Fred Matheny Replies:I’m a heavy sweater, too, and have suffered many cramps.

I was tested at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. They found that not only do I sweat more than average, it causes me to lose substantial amounts of sodium.

So, the solution for me has been to put a pinch of salt in my on-bike sports drink, which already contains other electrolytes.

Cramp prevention is far from an exact science. We have an excellent resource in the RBR Bookstore: Preventing and Treating Cramps, by Coach John Hughes.