Running is an excellent way to stay in shape, but push yourself too hard and you may be at risk for side cramps. 

"It is a fairly sudden pain, in other words you may feel it gradually come on, but once it hits it simply hurts every time you breathe." 

    Former Olympian and marathon runner Jeff Galloway is all too familiar with side cramps. He says they're usually not serious and are brought on by going too fast at the beginning of your run. 

"When people  go out a little bit too fast on any exercise, exert themselves too hard, they tend to get in oxygen debt and that causes rapid breathing which brings on a side pain much more quickly."

     He said the problem is easy to solve.  He say to avoid side pain start your exercise very slowly and when you breathe, breathe so the air goes down into your lower lungs, belly breath so the stomach is rising and falling.  He adds when the pain starts if you're running...walk and if you're walking...slow the pace.