[Ichigoassassin47]

When I hoop with friends, we usually will go every other day for about 4-5hrs.  To be honest, I feel like it’s taking a toll on how sore my legs feel.  Sometimes I get cramps at the end of these sessions.  What’s the healthiest way to play this often/much?  I remember my mom warned me about drinking too much Gatorade (electrolytes), and drinking too much water after Gatorade.  I also still cramp on occasion after eating bananas, and refuse to drink pickle juice.

[Tixbakk]

Hydrate with Gatorade or Powerade you’ll need the electrolytes. Take an ibuprofen before it’ll help prevent cramps it’s a muscle relaxer and also help with soreness. 

Liquid IV are also great. Stretch before and after. Plan recovery days… ice baths and hot epsom salt baths. I do salt baths to loosen my muscles for performance at the start of the week, and ice baths after my most instense day that week for recovery. 
You can keep a salt packet on you to help your body hold in electrolytes and water…

Lastly listen to your body… if you are having muscle spasms take it as a sign to stop, as you grow with sports it’s important to learn when not to play, this is injury prevention as well