Why Do I Get Dizzy When I Work Out?

Question

I decided to join a gym a month ago, seeing as upon finishing my first year of college, I gained a few pounds. The first time I worked out at this gym, I had some chest pains several hours later in that same evening, which went away with Advil the next morning. I self diagnosed myself as having costochondritis, and haven't experienced it since. My exercise routine is the bike for 10 minutes, followed by the eliptical for 10 minutes, then basically all lower body weight machines. Basically I do this 2-3 times a week at most. When I do cardio on the bike, followed by the eliptical, I usually feel pretty dizzy and as if I can't walk straight without holding onto something. I feel like I'm going to collapse if I don't sit down. Why do I feel this way? It's not as if I'm exerting myself and doing the bike or eliptical for an hour or anything.

I'm 120lbs, so I'm not overweight; I'm just trying to tone up. As far as being out of shape, I work out in some way, shape, or form on a daily basis; either by walking or otherwise. The dizziness also doesn't occur when I'm on the machine, so that little label means nothing...it occurs when I step off of it. I think dehydration may be the problem, because I really don't drink much, especially water. That could be the reason for my weight gain; I mistake my thirst for hunger, so I eat.

Answer 1

Are you drinking enough water, it could be dehydration

Answer 2

It could be a change in blood pressure that does it. You will notice sometimes that if you stand very quickly you get similar effects. I get the same thing about 15 to 20 minutes into a hike or while working hard. It seems to go away after a few minutes for me though. Sadly a lot of the time dizzy feelings cant be helped much by Doctors either. Sometimes you are just naturally more prone to dizziness.

Answer 3

It is important to remember the following: Drink plenty of water while you work out, and BREATHE regular breaths. Many people forget to breathe as they work out. Also, the physical shape you are in is also something to keep in mind. If you are substantially overweight, you might want to start more slowly. Finally, remember that you are making your heart pump blood more quickly, which might account for some of your dizziness. If you chestpains persist, however, don't rely on self diagnosis. Before you start a work out routine, it is always best to check with your physician to make sure you do not have a condition that could present problems.

Answer 4

Maybe you have low blood sugar. It might help to bring a snack along, or eat something more substantial before your work out, if you aren't doing so already.

Perhaps you could try lessening the intensity of your workout for a few days to see if it has any effect, and then try and gradually build up to the current intensity you're at now.

Get plenty of sleep as well. That, coupled with some food, should help ameliorate some of your complications.

Answer 5

If you read the little Warning on the machines, they say don't work out on them if you start to feel dizzy, lol. You could have a seizure and injure yourself in the gym. Just imagine the worst case scenario of falling down into on and running equipment. Usually though when you get dizzy it's because you're over-working yourself, and/or you're not hydrated enough. Water, water, and more water. When you're working out its mandatory you drink water!

If you're thirsty, you're already too dehydrated, btw.

Answer 6

You need to drink plenty of water and eat well, make sure you are eating healthy, not too much or too little. Also I recommend to take vitamins, it also could be that you are deficient in some vitamins, that often occur when people are on a diet and you need the extra strength from the vitamins supplements. And make sure that you make the transition from bike to ecliptical to machines as softer as possible, don't rush.
If you are exercising on a high speed you should slow down before completely stop, take your time drink a sip of water and then go to the ecliptical, etc. Pay attention to transitions and make them slow.

Answer 7

Perhaps you should see a doctor, hat doesn't sound too good! Drink plenty of water, that might be the problem, and eat more, that might also be the problem. What you could do is start by doing a shorter amount on each machine, and once you've completed your circuit, go back to them again! Or perhaps, you should start slowly on them instead of rushing in head first and starting on quite a high setting. perhaps you should ask the gym staff, perhaps its happened before...Good luck!

Answer 8

You had better get to a doctor ASAP, you need to be evaluated.

PS I am in my 40's and walk on a treadmill for 80 minutes at 4mph at an elevation of 4 or 5!!! you are doing far less, are alot younger and are having serious issues that should NOT be ignored!!! Call your M.D.

Answer 9

Unless you are confident that the chest pain is a pulled muscle, you do not treat chest pain with advil. You go to a doctor. Chest pain during exercise, and dizziness, is your body telling you there is something wrong. Self diagnosis can kill you sometimes. Heart trouble HAS to ruled out 1st!

Answer 10

Only your doctor can diagnose your problem. It could be blood pressure or heart related. Either way, this is not the forum to waste your time on with a potentially serious medical condition. GO TO YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY!

Answer 11

several things can cause this symptom. The first thing that occurs to me is dehydration, if you don't drink enough water, exertion will lead to dizzyness. If you don't eat properly, low blood sugar will lead to dizzyness. If you don't breathe properly, anoxia will lead to dizzyness. There are other more severe causes, but you don't mention any other symptoms that would accompany something more severe.