Why do I get a terrible headache after I work out?

Question

My workout routine includes 45-60 mins of cardio. I stretch for 15-20 mins (usually I begin to get my headache while stretching). Then I do light weight training for about an hour focusing on with upper or lower body. 9 out of 10x, I will get the headache, and it will usually last until I take a nap at home or take some tylenol. Oh and I drink plenty of water before, during and after each workout. PLEASE HELP. It really discourages me from pushing my self during workouts...I want to add resistance, speed, and weight to my workouts but its hard with a pounding headache.

Answer 1

Are you eating anything before your workout? You could be getting a headache if you workout on an empty stomach. I can't exercise when I am full, but I do eat a little about 30 minutes before I start to exercise. Try a bowl of whole grain cereal, a bagel, english muffin, oatmeal or something else you find satisfying before your next workout.

You might be low on potassium as well. Cantalope and bananas are high in potassium and could be a good snack before you workout. Or try a sports drink; water hydrates you but it doesn't replace the potassium you lose during your workout. I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have the same problem. I thought it was hydration but water alone didn't help. I started drinking Gatorade before and water during and that worked out much better. I now rarely get headaches, which was apparrently due to depletion of sugar and salts. Drink more gatorade after if I am exerting for a long time (2+ hours, yard work). Also, cooling down quicker seems to help. Take a shower, dip in the pool, etc...

Answer 3

The suggestions about hydration are good.

Another possibility is that you are clenching muscles in your neck and shoulders during the lifting. Do you get a headache on the days that you only do aerobics? Is it an "occipital headache" in the back of the head and neck? Those would be clues.

I'd suggest paying a trainer to work with you one or two days to help you with form. Tell them about the headaches so that they can specifically watch the relevant muscle groups during your workout.

Aloha

Answer 4

I was going to tell you to drink more water. Maybe you still are dehydrated, but you say that you drink plenty of water *shrugs*

Stop the head pounding exercises

Is it a reasonable thing to break your cardio up into 2 blocks of 30?

Headache begins while stretching *boggles* exactly what is it that you are stretching that you get the headache with? (maybe the headache will go away if you stop stretching your ears)

Is it something in the gym? (someone's deodorant or something else?)

Answer 5

Hydration! Always drink enough water as you workout or you will get dehydrated and have "headaches". Most people who have migranes do not drink enough water. It's not the stress, it's this simple fact, that they do not drink enough water. I stress water because many other drinks have sugars in them. That pushes water out of your cells and makes you dehydrated.

Answer 6

I know you said you drink plenty of fluids and everybody is telling you you're dehydrated. but that does sound like the culprit. maybe you should try making sure you get lots to drink over a period of several hours before your workout.
good luck, it sounds like a frustrating problem.

Answer 7

You need more fluids in you as the headache is from dehydration.

Answer 8

Funny! 10!

Answer 9

You may have high blood pressure. Check with your family doctor.

Answer 10

Maybe you should ask your doctor