Dizziness following exercise can result due to a variety of reasons that require attention before resuming your fitness routine. While this scenario may happen to some people on occasion, Health Services at Columbia explain that feeling dizzy after exercise is not normal. Exercising should be an exhilarating experience, not one that induces dizziness or exhaustion.
Significance
Dizziness or lightheadedness following exercise can leave you open to accidental injuries, such as a fall. The University of Nebraska at Omaha reports that for many, dizziness after exercise can simply be a sign that you are working too hard during your fitness routine. For others, a dizzy spell may signal dehydration. Physician intervention is often necessary when more severe symptoms accompany your dizziness, such as chest pains, cold sweats or fainting.
Facts
Water consumption is crucial before, during and after your workout. Since 60-percent of your body is made of water, most of it in your muscles, water loss during exercise needs replacement. Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems reports that daily urination, sweating and even the act of breathing depletes the human body of approximately ½ gallon of water per day. If you exercise, this number can go even higher. Failure to stay hydrated can lead to dizziness after your workout.
Considerations
A simple test, known as the "talk test," can help gauge your physical activity and determine if you are pushing yourself too hard as you exercise. According to the University of Nebraska at Omaha, if you can whistle a tune, carry on a conversation or sing during exercise, you are probably not over doing it. If, on the other hand, you are having difficulty breathing or feelings of weakness during exercise, it is a good idea to take a break. This is especially true if dizziness accompanies your symptoms.
Prevention
Drink water to prevent dizziness due to dehydration. Do not depend on your body to tell you that it needs water. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink, you may be setting yourself up for dehydration and its associated symptoms. To prevent this from happening, drink 16 oz. of cold water 1 to 2 hours prior to your workout. Drink an additional 16 oz. of cold water 30 minutes prior to your workout. Add another 8 oz. of water to your body 5 minutes before your workout begins and drink ½ cup of cold water after each 15 minutes that passes during your workout, according to Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems. Drink another 16 oz. of water immediately following your workout and liberally throughout the remainder of your day.
Warnings
Consult your physician before you begin any workout, especially if you have a past history of heart problems. Pay attention to the signals that your body is sending during your workout. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that ignoring warning sides can lead to a heart attack or stroke. It is also important to remember that only a physician can definitively determine what your dizziness stems from. If dizziness is happening frequently after your workout, see your physician as soon as possible.
References
- Health Services at Columbia: Dizzy After Exercise
- University of Nebraska at Omaha: Exercises for Older Adults/Precautions, Guidelines and Assessments
- Alabama Cooperative Extension Systems: Sports Nutrition for Young Adults: Hydration
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Exercise: Exercise's Effects on the Heart
