If you aren't specifically focusing on your abdominal muscles during a workout, seeing your stomach swell can be alarming. In many cases, it is just the result of how much you are eating or drinking before working out. Certain foods can be hard to digest and cause swelling as well. If the swelling is in one specific area of your abdomen, a hernia could be the problem. Swelling that happens consistently while working out, regardless of what you eat or drink, could be caused by a digestive disorder. Consult a doctor if this is the case.
Causes
A variety of conditions can lead to a swelling abdomen while working out. Eating too much too soon before you work out can cause bloating; during exercise, your blood gets shunted away from your intestines, impairing the digestive process. The same goes for foods that you can't digest well. If your body is not properly hydrated or doesn't have enough electrolytes, you may retain water and get a bloated belly. A hernia is caused by intestines or tissue poking through a hole in the abdominal wall; it is usually focused in one area, such as the pelvic region or near the navel. Digestive disorders can be exacerbated during a workout, and many disorders have abdominal swelling as a symptom.
Indications
General swelling of the abdomen can indicate water retention, which is a common cause of swelling during a workout. If the swelling is accompanied by gas, pain or general discomfort, overeating, food intolerance or an underlying digestive disorder could be to blame. Hernias are usually small lumps or protrusions in one specific area, although you can have multiple hernias scattered across the abdomen. The lumps caused by hernias will be more noticeable when there is pressure on your abdominal wall, such as when you bend over.
Treatment
When you start to experience a swelling abdomen while working out, stop all activity and rest until the swelling goes down. Drink small sips of water enhanced with electrolytes to treat water retention. If your suspect a hernia, avoid working out further until you can see a physician. If the swelling does not go down or there is pain in your abdominal muscles, seek medical attention; you may have an injury that is being exacerbated by working out.
Prevention
To avoid water retention, stay properly hydrated by drinking water enhanced with electrolytes before, during and after your workouts. Avoid drinking too much water, however, as that can lead to bloating. Eat a smaller meal two to four hours before working out to give time for proper digestion. If you skipped a meal, you should be able to eat a small snack no fewer than 30 minutes before working out without causing a problem. If you suspect specific foods could be the problem, experiment by removing some out of your pre-workout diet. Wheat, caffeine, carbonated drinks and dairy products are common culprits. Beans and certain vegetables, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and asparagus, all contain raffinose, which is a sugar that can cause gas and bloating. If your stomach continues to swell despite taking precautionary measures, consult a doctor to rule out an underlying digestive disorder or other medical disorder. Your doctor can offer advice regarding if and when you can work out with a hernia. If it's severe, surgery may be required.
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