Why Do I Feel Faint After Strenuous Exercise & How To Stop It?

Having a rigorous exercising schedule can help you see the desired results quickly. On the other hand, overexerting, or exercising in the heat can have rather hazardous repercussions, especially if the workout makes you feel faint and giddy.

Exercise increases the heart rate and gets your blood pumping and gives you a boost of the ‘feel-good’ hormone endorphins.

Some people may feel giddy and lightheaded after the workout, but by and large, it’s not a serious medical problem. Certain guidelines and quick-fix tips can help you deal with the situation better. Consult your health care provider if you continue to experience post exercise giddiness after implanting the self-care measures.

Causes Of Feeling Faint After Strenuous Exercise?

  • One of the commonest causes of feeling faint after exercising is overexertion. Pushing your body too hard makes the heart work excessively and you do not get adequate blood to your head.
  • You tend to feel faint if you aren’t drinking ample water during the exercise, or have been working out in the heat.
    In a cooling response, the blood vessels dilate. Dilation of the blood vessels in the brain causes faintness.
  • Exercising on a constant motion machine, such as – a treadmill / elliptical is another contributing factor. When you get off the machine, you feel dizzy.
  • If you follow a strenuous routine and do not eat well before the work out, the sugar level drops. Low blood glucose makes you feel faint and lightheaded.

How To Stop Feeling Faint When Exercising?

  • If you feel giddy while exercising, please stop. Continuing to work-out while feeling faint can result in an injury. Take a break. Confer with your doctor and if required, carry out a few tests and investigations to identify any underlying medical condition.
  • If you feel faint while exercising on a machine, hold the rails tight and slow your pace until it is safe for you to get off.
  • Make sure that you warm up your body properly before a strenuous exercise routine; this gives your heart time to acclimatize to the change in the need for blood to your muscles.
  • Staying well hydrated is very crucial. Consuming about 10 ounces every 15 minutes of exercise as well as exercising indoors when it’s above 90 degrees Fahrenheit will help prevent an episode of faintness.
  • Incrementally taper off the workout as you near the finish point; this prevents dizziness. Gradually, ease out of your workout by slowing towards the end; do not stop abruptly. This will give your body a chance to catch up to itself; the heart rate, blood circulation and vessel dilation will all return to normal simultaneously.
  • A pre-workout snack helps regulate and monitor the blood sugar level. A light snack of protein and carbohydrates provides you with sufficient energy and keeps your blood sugar at an optimal level; this will help ward off the giddiness. Cheese, crackers, fruits and water are ideal snack to boost energy levels before exercise.
  • Lastly, if you continue to have issues with giddiness and faintness, you need to discuss with your health care provider / training instructor about your exercise routine that what can help improve your balance. Also, exercise with a friend who can help you during an episode of a dizzy spell.