Feeling your muscle spasm or twitch while performing bar dips can be disconcerting, but in most cases it is not a cause for concern. Most twitches are harmless and subside after activity. Taking preventive measures can usually stop twitches from occurring. However, if they occur consistently or become more severe over time, consult a doctor to rule out an underlying problem.
Muscle Twitches
Muscle twitches are essentially low-grade cramps, according to Dr. John Su, a sports medicine physician at UCLA. They are caused by small contractions in a muscle or a group of muscles served by a single motor neuron. Twitches are usually short-lived, although they might come and go during several hours or days. A twitch can occur anywhere in the body where a muscle is present, but the eyelids, calf, and thumb are the most commonly affected areas.
Causes
Twitches can occur for several reasons. Performing bar dips while fatigued or performing too many repetitions could be one possible cause. Other common causes of twitching include stress, dietary deficiencies and as the result of taking drugs. Consuming too much caffeine also is a common culprit. Less commonly, a neurological disorder such as Lou Gehrig's disease is to blame. Neurological disorders are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as a change in sensation around the muscles, weakness or muscle wasting.
Prevention
Taking some simple steps before and during your workout can often help prevent muscle twitching. Those include warming up before doing your bar dips as well as stretching your muscles and drinking enough water. Gradually building up the number of repetitions of bar dips you perform will help prevent muscle fatigue, and possibly twitching. Avoiding caffeine or other stimulants can also help. If you are taking any prescription medication, talk to your doctor to ensure muscle twitching is not a side effect. If you are stressed, try relaxation techniques such as meditation.
Considerations
Most muscle twitching is harmless and stops soon after you finish exercising. Rubbing the affected muscle can often get rid of the twitch, as can stretching it for several seconds. Harmless muscle twitches usually last for a couple of seconds, even if they come and go over hours or days. If your muscle twitches last for several minutes at a time or are accompanied by symptoms that indicate a neurological disorder, consult a doctor.
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