If you have ever weight trained with any degree of regularity, you have probably had the displeasure of a muscle camps. As a personal trainer who spends a lot of time at the gym, I've seen it more times than I care to remember: some guy pumps out a few reps with the dumbbells, then drops one and clutches his bicep in pain. Not fun. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it), when you experience cramps, it’s probably your fault in some way, so there’s a way to correct it.
The number one reason most people seize up during a workout is because they fail to warm up. I don’t care what kind of hurry you are in, take the time to get ready, loose and limber before you start doing the heavy stuff. Starting out at a million miles an hour will only end in pain.
Another biggie is that people just do too much too fast. You need to rest a bit in between sets, about a minute or two should do, depending on what your goals are what your fitness level is. Overexerting yourself will make your muscles freak out and seize up.
A hot workout environment might also cause cramps. Exerting yourself in a environment that’s too hot is practically asking for a cramp. Try and stay cool any way you can.
And before I tell you this last one, let me explain something to you. I never listened to my mother as a kid. She would repeat herself over and over and over again to pick up room, clean out the garage, take down the trash on trash day, whatever. My mother got her revenge when I became a personal trainer, because now every day I tell people to drink more water. Over and over and over again. I’ve said it a million times, and I bet I will say it a million more, because it’s important for millions or reasons. In this case, it will keep you from getting cramps. So I beg of you. Before, after, and during a workout, drink more water. Don’t make me repeat myself.