Fatigue during or following a workout can be caused by a variety of problems ranging from dehydration to overexertion. While some people might experience extreme fatigue following an intense workout session on occasion, the Health Services of Columbia University says feeling fatigued after exercise is not normal. While exercise should challenge your body, it shouldn't leave you exhausted. Consult your physician if you continuously feel fatigued during or after a workout.
Dehydration
A common cause of fatigue during or following exercise is dehydration. Consuming water before, during and after an exercise session is essential to keeping your major organs and muscles hydrated. Your body is made up of 60 percent water, which is stored mainly in your muscles. Because of this, the water you lose during an exercise session needs to be replenished to ensure your muscles and organs function properly. Your body loses about a half a gallon of water every day through sweating, urination and breathing. With exercise, that number increases. Forgetting to keep yourself hydrated during your workout can lead to fatigue.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Feeling fatigued during a workout might be an indication of a cardiovascular disorder. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure can cause exhaustion after small amounts of exercise. As a result of these diseases, the heart and lungs can't get enough oxygen and blood to the body and cause feelings of fatigue. These diseases are potentially life-threatening, so talk to your doctor if you experience difficulty breathing and chest pain in addition to fatigue when you exercise.
Diet
Certain diets, including low-carb diets, can increase fatigue due to decreased nutrition and hydration. When you reduce the amount of carbs you consume, you also reduce the amount of water. Carbohydrates store 2.6g of water with them. When your body uses carbs, it also uses that water. If your workout depletes your carbohydrates, you'll also deplete stored water, which can lead to dehydration. If you're following a low-carb diet and feel fatigued after working out, talk to your doctor about an alternate diet plan.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Many people suffer from asthma on a daily basis. Some people, however, only experience problems with asthma during or following a workout. Exercise-induced asthma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and fatigue during or following exercise. When treated properly, exercise-induced asthma is not a dangerous condition. To ease symptoms, avoid certain triggers such as high pollen counts, chemicals, air pollution and cold or dry air. If you experience asthma symptoms, medication is available to provide both fast-acting or long-term relief. According to the Mayo Clinic website, exercising on a regular basis actually can help ease asthma symptoms. Contact your physician if you suspect you have exercise-induced asthma.
