Headaches from exercise?

KatiePeca

I get horrible headaches from intense exercises, like basically any form of cardio They're worse if I add heat to the equation. Going for a walk with the baby in the stroller on a nice summer day=SMASHING headache for hours. I've always been this way, anyone else have these headaches?

Also, I don't sweat properly, I never have, since childhood I always just turn red and get really hot and headachy when I work out, which makes good fat buring exercise feel like it's just not worth the pain I'll have afterward, but I really want to work out and enjoy it!

My Dr. tells me I am "deconditioned" which is her tactful way of saying "really really out of shape", this is also true, but I am trying to remedy that.

Anyone have exercise induced headaches? What do you do about them?

Katie

Ashalahn_LMT

I got headaches after a few of the workouts the first phase of P90X. Especially cardio heavy days. And I still get headaches when I am outside in 90+ degree weather working (which I have to do most of the summer). The exercise headaches went away once I got in better condition. The work headaches are lessened by getting out of the sun. Drink lots, and lots, and lots of water. During the summer I have a water bottle I constantly refill every 10-15 minutes. It's in my hands as much as my tools.

frugalmomsrock

water, water, water... I try to drink a 16 oz. water bottle for each 15 minutes of cardio that I do. If I am doing 60 minutes on elliptical, I take along 4 water bottles. If I drink less than this, I get a headache.

bluebelle00

If you truly are deconditioned, you might want to ask your doctor about physical therapy. They can give you simple exercises that will help to build up your endurance.
Another thing is to make sure you're getting plenty of water...I've had a similar problem in the past, and the headaches are usually caused by dehydration & just compounded by getting overheated.

ashley_jorah

If I feel a headache during/after workout, I try to drink a litre of water. It usually goes away fairly quickly.

I've never been much of a water-drinker. Never really liked it, so I really need to force myself to do it. Especially after a run.

elinsofie

Bump

sarahbear1981

I do get tension headaches (read: muscle induced migraine) after exercise because my muscles on my neck and shoulders cramp up. It is basically because of my weight. My muscles have to work harder to support the fat. I used to take muscle relaxers every day for it. I have noticed as I have gotten in better shape that this happens less often. I haven't had a headache after working out in almost a month now. Your doctor is probably right in some respect. Just push through the pain. Exercising for those who are truly out of shape is painful, but it does get better. I usually take two alieve after a particularly grueling workout before I feel pain and it it usually helps. Other than that, I find a good nap, a hot bath with some scented oils or something relaxing like that can really help. I would also recommend you are staying hydrated as you workout. This might help with the sweating.

KatiePeca

Thanks for the input everyone! I really do need to make myself drink more water, I have never been a fan but I know it's important!

Katie

AEisele

I have been the queen of headaches. Everything sets them off. I did find I really have to drink alot of water when I work out and i also have been taking 400mg of B2(rivoflaven) daily. It really helps alot. But the water is a the biggest part.

Hugs, Alice

JannineOwen

i started going to the gym for the first time ever in my life 2 weeks ago and for the first 3 times had a pounding headache/migraine that would last for a few days, i don't get any headaches at all now but i do drink more water than when i started plus i think my body just went in to shock at being put through intense exercise for the very first time.

hopefully you will be ok once you get used to it but do make sure you drink PLENTY of water.