What has helped my COMFORT in playing, not necessarily my stamina, is chest presses and shoulder exercises (captive weights). In my very short experience, I've found relaxation and breathing to be important too--and, I think, one drum is quite a bit easier than two!
If you're experiencing actual cramps (spasms) and not simply soreness, this sounds very, very weird. Are you at the computer (or similar) most of the day and possibly getting repetitive motion problems?
I initially had problems, mostly with forearm muscles. I just shortened practice times but practiced 2 to 3 times a day for a while, and the problem went away. Until I started guitar
Edited By Bongo Boy on July 29 2002 at 21:54