Why do I feel faint after working out?

Question

I'm a fairly healthy 21 year old female, around 5'4, 110 lbs. I just recently started taking advantage of the fitness center at my university so I could tone up some muscles & get in better shape. I start off with some stretchs, do a fast pace walk on the tredmill, head over to the weight machines to work on abs, chest press, arms & legs, & glutes, and then finish with a slow paced cool down on the tredmill. However, ive noticed when I get to the weight machines, even if I stop and rest for a bit, my heart still races the whole time im working out. I start to feel faint & sometimes nauseated. I dont usually try to lift anymore weight then what I feel comfortable with, so I dont think thats the problem. I always eat before I go work out. I carry water and a towel with me the whole time. Im just not sure what the problem might be. Ive never tryed a regular work out schedule before so all of this is very new to me. I may go get a physical. Any advice?

My mom also said it might be low blood sugar. When I was 12 I was told I had hypoglycemia, but not anemia. Ive never paid much attention to the hypoglycemia, because food never seemed to bother me that much. As for the blood pressure, high blood pressure runs in my family, but ive never had it except during and right after the delivery of my son.

Answer 1

Low blood sugar

Answer 2

You're on the right track to get a physical. There must be some underlying cause for this problem. You might try a drink like Gatorade that not only replenishes fluids lost, but also electrolytes lost. If you sweat a lot you are losing electrolytes and may be more sensitive to that than most people. The other possibility I'm thinking of is you may be prediabetic and need to have some calories half way through your routine so your body has available glucose to utilize. I'd give either or both of these a try to see if it helps.

Answer 3

Good question maybe you should try taking little breaks between each step or maybe your body just needs some time to the workouts. DONT OVER DO IT and your heart needs some time to slow down so after taking a fast walk on the tredmill walk slow for a bit. Hope It helps!

Answer 4

If you can feel your heart racing, you are reaching your max. You need to alter you workout. Find someone you know that can set you up a good fitness program. Otherwise, split up your workouts. Do not do cardio the same day you lift. You can do a slow walk on treadmill to warm up, but do your intense cardio workouts on a seperate day. The common misconception of a person just starting a new exercise program is they think they need to exhaust themselves everytime. All you need to do is make sure you muscles get work. Results will come in time.

Answer 5

you could try a few things. first no caffeine or sugar before you work out and drink alot of water prior to exercise. then you may want to be sure you aren't taking a brain vitamin b's or multis before the workout. try eating a bit before you workout and mix it up do weights first sometimes or walk for awhile at a slow pace prior to lifting. don't be in a rush to look beautiful people who make life changes slowly keep it up longer. make sure you are taking a multivitamin with iron you may be loosing too many calories too fast.

Answer 6

I experience the same sensation after lifting with my legs. I feel dizzy after exercises like the leg press or squat. This may be caused by dehydration but I would recommend getting the physical, even though I don't anything will show up during the physical, but tell your doctor about it. After talking to him, try talking to a fitness trainer or employee at the fitness center about your problem.

Answer 7

Considering you haven't gone to the gym regularly before this, I think it's your body's reaction to the new routine. I would definitely have a physical done to see what would be the best.

At my college, you weren't allowed to use any cardio machines unless you had a "fit-check" in they weighed you, and ran some quick tests to see what your fitness level (i,e, flexibility, endurance, body fat) was and then created a plan for you depending on what your goal was (i.e. lose weight, healthier heart, be stronger)

Low blood sugar can also be a factor and it is advisable to have something sweet (but not fattening) like gatorade or juice when you feel a little faint.

Answer 8

This is as you said the first time you're working out. You should definitely get a physical.

Try eating a piece of sugar before working out. Your sugar level's probably low. But really, go get checked out.

Answer 9

Maybe you are over doing it, or you could have low blood sugar. Check with your doctor to be on the safe side. I have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and it causes me to feel like you described.

Answer 10

Dont eat before your workout. If you do eat your digestive organs system will need a lot of blood to digest what you ate. You want to make blood available for your muscles.

Go when you're almost hungry.

Answer 11

I suggest taking it a bit slower. Instead of a face pace walk, try a slower walk or cycle.

Also, I would get checked out by a doctor. It sounds like it could be many things, including slightly high blood pressure.

Remember to start slow, especially if this is a new work out schedule.