What can my teen do about cramps after gym workout?

Building a good exercise habit in your teens is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy lifestyle into adulthood, so I would be keen to find a solution for your daughter

Dr Phil Kieran: "We know that cramps can run in families and are more common after repetitive exercises, particularly in muscle groups that have been pushed to the point of exhaustion." Picture: iStock.

My 16-year-old daughter enjoys going to the gym, but often experiences painful cramps in her legs afterwards, sometimes waking her in the night. 

We’ve tried massage, but it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference. I’m worried that she is putting her growing body under too much strain by lifting heavy weights. I’d appreciate your advice.