Feelings of Exhaustion After a Workout

Feelings of Exhaustion After a Workout
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

It's normal to feel tired after working out, but if you feel completely exhausted every time you exercise, you might need to see a doctor or make some changes to your exercise routine. Sometimes taking care of your body and getting more rest at night can cure post-workout exhaustion. You also might need to cut back on the intensity and frequency of your workouts to keep from feeling fatigued. If you continue to feel exhausted every time you workout, talk to your doctor.

Causes

If you experience exhaustion after you exercise, it could be a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome, a heart condition or anemia. Fatigue after exercise also can be caused by an inadequate amount of sleep, working out too frequently, dehydration and improper nutrition. Talk to your doctor if you regularly experience fatigue after exercising. Your doctor can give you a proper diagnosis and work with you on developing an exercise routine that won't aggravate your condition.

Treatment

If you feel exhausted after working out, let your body rest. Don't push yourself to continue to exercise until you have recovered. Drink plenty of water after your workout, and eat a small meal or snack that is high in carbohydrates within 30 minutes of exercising to help your body recover. A small piece of fruit can be enough to fuel your body and replace the energy you lost during your workout.

Prevention

If you do not give your body time to rest between workouts, you might experience exhaustion after you exercise. Avoid working the same muscle groups every day. Prevent fatigue by taking a day off to rest between your strenuous exercise routines. Eating a small snack high in carbohydrates before you work out can prevent you from feeling exhausted after you are done exercising. Stay hydrated to prevent exhaustion. Drink two 8 oz. glasses of water before you start your workout, then pause every 20 minutes during your exercise routine to drink another glass of water.

Warnings

If you experience pain along with fatigue after exercising, it could be a sign of a serious condition. If you have pain in your arms or severe headaches in conjunction with exhaustion after a workout, stop exercising and contact your doctor, since these symptoms could be signs of fibromyalgia or a thyroid condition. If you experience difficulty breathing or abnormal heart patterns after you work out, see your doctor as soon as possible to rule out problems with your lungs or heart.

References

Article reviewed by Shawn Candela Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments