Many people experience stomach or abdominal pain during exercise. Most typically, this pain takes the form of a side stitch or cramp, according to the Stretching Institute. However, it's also possible to experience stomach pain during or following a workout because you have exercised too much or to experience pain due to an undiagnosed medical condition. If you feel stomach pain more than occasionally after exercise, see your doctor for a full checkup.
Side Stitch
A side stitch represents the most common type of stomach pain during and after exercise. It occurs because you've exercised too much or at too high an intensity, according to the Stretching Institute. A side stitch, technically a muscle spasm in your abdominal wall, usually occurs on just one side of your stomach, although it's possible to feel the pain on both sides. To alleviate a side stitch, slow down, take deeper breaths and massage your stomach muscles.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Runners and other athletes often experience gastrointestinal pain during and following their workouts, especially if their workouts are particularly intense, according to Rice University. In fact, up to half of all marathoners and triathletes have suffered from gastrointestinal pain. The pain, which usually accompanies other symptoms such as nausea and gas, can originate in your stomach or in your lower intestines. If you get this type of stomach pain, you can consider dialing back the intensity of your exercise routine. Also, make sure you stay well-hydrated, since dehydration appears to contribute to the problem.
Muscle Strain
If you're just starting a new exercise routine or have recently increased the intensity of your routine, it's not uncommon to experience stomach pain that feels like you have exercised too much. Sit-ups and stomach crunches, especially, can cause tired muscles and muscle pain in your stomach area when you're not used to performing them. If this is the case for you, make sure not to increase your repetitions too rapidly, and only perform the new exercises every other day until your muscles strengthen.
Other Causes
Stomach pain that feels like you have exercised too much has many other potential causes, ranging from potentially serious inflammatory bowel diseases to menstrual disorders such as endometriosis, according to Running Times Magazine. Pain in your stomach area also could indicate an infection or serious muscle strain. If the pain persists or especially if it worsens, you should see your physician to determine the cause.
