Intercostal cramps / twitches (ribs, right side) between workouts

[patrickc]

Hi all,

I am a 54 year old and three months into the novice program.

I sometimes get twitchy cramps top of abs or intercostal area near/under ribs on right side. I don't really notice these and don't get pain during workouts (maybe one or twice) and lifts have generally been going on in 2.5kg or 1kg increments. I am using the books 'The Barbell Prescription' and 'Starting Strength.'

Does anyone else get these?

Does anyone have any idea what these are?

Are they probably just overworked or strained intercostals?

Any information or advice greatly appreciated.

Keep lifting everyone.

I wish I had discovered Starting Strength decades ago!

Patrick

[Satch12879]

How do you wear your belt?

[patrickc]

Thanks for your reply.

That's a good question as I do sometimes feel it cutting in a bit near my ribs. I wear a 4 inch suede belt pretty tight. I have a short torso so was wondering if I need a 3 inch belt.

[Satch12879]

Very few people need a 4-inch belt. Early on, I injured myself in the same way with a 4-inch belt I didn't need.

[Jason Donaldson]

The answer to "do I need a 3 inch belt" is usually "yes" - especially with a short torso.

If I'm not mistaken, the prevalence of 4's is a combination of "that's the widest federations allow" + "bigger must be better". The first is arbitrary, the second is wrong.

[patrickc]

Very few people need a 4-inch belt. Early on, I injured myself in the same way with a 4-inch belt I didn't need.

Thanks for your reply. I'll likely get a 3-inch belt.

The answer to "do I need a 3 inch belt" is usually "yes" - especially with a short torso.

If I'm not mistaken, the prevalence of 4's is a combination of "that's the widest federations allow" + "bigger must be better". The first is arbitrary, the second is wrong.

Thanks for this helpful reply.