strength training and headaches

lsand

I have been circuit training for 3 weeks now and the last few times I've gotten painful headaches when doing it. Sometimes I can't even finish my reps. I have increased the amount of weight I've been lifting, but not drastically. I'm not usually a person who gets headaches. I don't want to quit but it's hard to do with a bad headache. Does anyone else have this problem?

jesse14472

Bump......I would like to know the answer to this, too.

megsta21

How much water do you drink? Most Headaches are caused by dehydration. Do you eat before you work out??

lilchino4af

How much water do you drink? Most Headaches are caused by dehydration. Do you eat before you work out??

Also, do you hold your breath? Sounds crazy, but when you hold your breath, you're depriving your muscles of oxygen. I notice when I hold my breath I start to get headaches... And not being hydrated enough doesn't help either.

DennisLisaius

Poor circulation could account for the headaches. Have you ever tried a sports massage before your workout?

thedreamhazer

I would definitely suggest paying VERY close attention to your breathing next time and see if this helps. Your blood pressure could be getting too high from the exertion coupled with holding your breath. This used to happen to me until I started paying closer attention to my breathing.

ShaneT99

As others have said, it's most likely due to your breathing (or lack thereof). Be absolutely certain that you are exhaling on the power movement (the push if you're doing push exercises or the pull if you're doing pull exercises...the crunch if you're doing ab exercises). This is very important. If you're holding your breath instead of exhaling then it will make your blood pressure rise to the point that you get a headache. That's especially true if you're doing big power moves like squats, leg presses or deadlifts but it applies to all exercises.

lsand

I may be holding my breath on the last few reps (they are harder), and I haven't paid much attention to my breathing when lifting weights. (I try not to grunt!) I usually drink 16 ounces of water before exercising and then more during and after. I will focus on my breathing next time and see if it helps. Thanks!

ShaneT99

I really don't think water is the issue. I suspect if you control your breathing the problem will go away. Sometimes I forget to breath on a very hard rep. If I do that enough times I'll start getting a headache too.

sziomek78

I asked my doctor about this because I was getting headaches too and she told me it was because I was holding my breath. I try now to really take deep breaths and concentrate on my breathing and also keep well hydrated and the headaches have gone away.

TateFTW

My wife sometimes gets headaches while working out. I'd also focus on breathing, but as you get in better shape your body will start to use air more efficiently. They should start to decrease and eventually go away as you get in better shape.

Jewelz87

Breathing is important.. and i wouldn't be afraid of grunting! if that's what your body wants to do in order to breath then go for it girl!!! grunt away! i know personally when i workout i make lots of noises(mostly intense but steady breathing). I use to be embarassed when i did them but now i don't care because it feels so good and i don't get dizzy or have headaches because i'm breathing!!