Feeling really sick post workout...

So now that I've started working out regularly again I dont find it particularly hard. However some days, usually after a pretty rigorous cardio workout, I start to feel really sick. Like, really, really ill. To the point where I have to lie down and concentrate on not throwing up. Does this happen to anyone else? And does anyone have any suggestions about how to prevent this from happening, or know why it might happen?

Are you eating before workouts?

If you do eat a meal before workouts, you should wait 1-1.5 hrs after before working out, especially rigorously. If you don't it could cause stomach upset.

If you don't eat before working out, you should maybe have a protein shake before doing so. It will give your body fuel to exercise and doesn't upset the stomach.

If you don't think either of these things could be the problem, perhaps you should consult your doctor about it, exercise shouldn't do that to someone on a regular basis :(

Hi Natalie, 

that is quite unusual I believe. Are you checking your heart rate while working out? Do you stay below 150 or 160 ? You might want to take it a little slower and work out 15 minutes longer instead. You will burn the same (if not more) amount of calories but won't be so dead beat anymore! 

If this doesnt get better you should see a doctor. Feeling sick can have many reasons - blood pressure, heart rate... 

I usually get a headache if I am not drinking enough liquids per day... so you might want to check your water intake and have at least 2-3 cups of water while working out and also drink beforehand!

Good luck Natalie! 

Brigit

I get that when I run too fast too long. 

So after twenty minutes of running I slow down to a walk for a minute or two and drink a little water, then get back to finishing my run.

I often feel really nauseous as a lead upto passing out. Maybe you're suffering from low blood pressure or perhaps too little sugar in the blood stream?

I had something similar for a while... I visited the GP just out of curiosity more than anything else..

Turns out for me that if I sweated alot I ended up with an electrolyte imbalance. Problem was solved with some powerade type drinks (I had totally been avoiding them because there is alot of sugar in some of them) and preparing properly food wise... problem solved for me..

Could be any range of things though and I would say visit the doc.. once its solved you feel heaps better and its totally worth it.

Feeling nauseated after a workout often results from losing too many electrolytes via sweat. A sports beverage like Gatorade usually helps to restore the balance during and after your workout. If you're not feeling too nauseous, you should also eat something (ideally protein) no longer than 30 minutes after exercise.

Original Post by mermaid3011:

Hi Natalie, 

that is quite unusual I believe.

 Ooopss... not so unusual afterall! :o) All the best! Brigit

In college the football players called that pulling a puker.  Even I have done that once in a great while.  Usually due to pushing really hard.   While its not good to do that all the time, I sometimes feel proud that I pushed myself hard enough to pull a puker like the big boys. hehe

I wish I had the answers and was glad to read about the elctrolites since I had never thought about that, but I STILL get very nauseus after a good work out and I've been back in the gym for 1 1/2 yrs now. I always eat a complex carb 1 -  1 1/2 hrs previous and I always follow with a protein shake then a light meal within an hr of that and I'm not drastically reducing cals either so I think I've eliminated alot of other things.

Maybe you & I both should discuss it with our doctors. :(

Wow! Thank you all SO MUCH for your input. I think, judging by your reactions, it might be a good idea to see the doctor =S

I do monitor my heart rate when I work out, but I often make my way into the 180-zone, which is probably too high. I have not tried drinking powerade type drinks, but I'll try it before my next intense workout =) If not I guess its time for an appointment with my doctor.... I do have somewhat low blood pressure, but have been told in the past that it was not an issue. Maybe it is an issue now...

Thank you all again!

Both my sister and I often have this reaction after a vigorous workout. For us the solution is to have a banana before our runs, and not to push too hard!! Instead of the electrolyte drinks that often have a lot of calories, I drink diluted apple juice afterward, which seems to help too.

Also, pushing it to 180 might be too high, many doctors recommend 180 minus your age as a target zone :)