Magnesium is a basic mineral in the athlete's diet. The physical exhaustion caused by exercise implies imbalances that we must take into account to avoid later problems that could negatively affect our performance. In those aerobic exercises that involve increased sweating, the loss of magnesium (among other electrolytes) is important.
Magnesium is essential in both strength and endurance sports, as it contributes to the mechanisms of muscle contraction and relaxation as well as recovery processes and the nervous system. Cramps and muscle pain, for example, can be the result of a magnesium deficiency.
Also cardiovascular disorders (such as irregular heartbeats), since it helps in the proper functioning of the heart. For all these reasons, it is essential to assess the importance of magnesium in the diet of people who exercise regularly.
Both supplements are not only ideal for doing "loads" of magnesium during the days before long-distance competitions, but also as a sporadic contribution in intense aerobic efforts and as a muscle relaxant for those days of greater physical load where muscle exhaustion and possible night cramps make it difficult to fall asleep and rest.
When to take?
- 1 dose before sleeping as a muscle relaxant on days of high physical load.
- Sporadic supplementation: 1 dose before and/or during exercise to prevent cramps.
- Preparation for long-distance competitions: 1 dose during the previous 5 days.
- During competition: Between 1 and 3 doses of magnesium depending on physical exhaustion and sweating.
