What should a participant do if they experience a muscle cramp during exercise?

When a participant experiences a muscle cramp during exercise, stopping and gently stretching the affected muscle is the most appropriate action. Stretching helps to alleviate the tension that has caused the cramp by promoting relaxation in the muscle fibers. It can also enhance circulation to the area, potentially speeding up recovery from the cramping sensation.

Continuing the exercise as usual could exacerbate the cramp, leading to further discomfort or even injury. Similarly, ignoring the cramp and continuing to push through the discomfort might not only result in increased pain but could also lead to potential strains or other injuries. Choosing to go home immediately is not practical or beneficial, as it does not address the issue at hand and could leave the participant in a state of discomfort without resolution.

Thus, stopping to gently stretch the affected muscle is a safe and effective response that prioritizes the participant's well-being during the exercise session.