Welcome back to our series on side stitches. If you’re just joining us, side stitches and cramps are the sharp and sudden pains associated with running, swimming, and other physical activities. We talked all about it in part one. Click the link at the end of the sentence if you’d like to learn more about what side stitches are.
In today’s post, we are going to continue the discussion on these side pains, but focus more on how to prevent them. Searching for the best fitness programs Raleigh NC has to offer? Call CrossFit Invoke, or drop in today to learn more.
How to Prevent Side Stitches
As we noted in the first part of this series, researchers are still unsure of what actually causes side stitches to occur. However, there are still some things that you can do before you exercise that will help prevent them, especially if you’re prone to them.
Follow these tips to help prevent side cramping while exercising:
- If possible, avoid eating at least one hour before exercising. Eat a moderately-sized, low-fat meal 2-3 hours before and drink water for hydration. Avoid carbonated drinks, sports drinks, and sugary ones as well.
- Get a proper warm up. You should spend anywhere between 10 – 20 minutes stretching out your body and warming up. This will help you start your exercising more relaxed.
- When exercising, avoid shallow breathing and take deep belly breaths instead. Deep belly breaths will allow you to take in more air than just breathing into your chest. Also, breath in and out through your mouth if you can.
- Posture can also play a part in causing side stitches. When exercising, especially running, be sure to practice the proper form and maintain good posture. Do not hunch over while running. Hunching over will make it harder to take in deep breaths.
We hope that today’s post will help you prevent side stitches and avoid these types of pains when exercising. Don’t miss part three where we talking about how to treat side stitches. If you’re ready to become a fitness superstar then you need to be training at CrossFit Invoke. Keep reading to see how you can sign up for a free class.
Free Fitness Programs Raleigh NC | CrossFit Invoke
If you’re looking for the best fitness programs Raleigh NC has ever seen, call CrossFit Invoke today. We have the best fitness classes in the area that will get you laser focused in on your health goals so you can maximize your gains. We even offer free classes so you can try us out before you commit to a membership.
We have the best gym in Raleigh, and we’re a member of the CrossFit HQ Seminar Staff. Invoke’s founders have operated CrossFit seminars all over the south for over five years. All of our coaches and trainers hold a Level 1 Seminar Certificate, and many other additional specialty certifications in CrossFit as well as other diverse fitness backgrounds.
As you can see, we’re committed to you and your health. So call us today to get started with your free class.
