Strange issue, YAWNING during workouts!

mraemoore · July 2012

I've been doing the Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 program and I'm losing weight and toning up like crazy! One issue I have is that I yawn A LOT throughout my workouts! I've tried really focusing on my breathing and nothing seems to help. I've googled my problem and I havent really found any helpful information. I have asthma but working out usually doesnt effect it. And I don't think the yawning is asthma related because I never feel abnormally short of breath and its never painful or difficult to breathe. So far its not really affecting me its just really annoying and sometimes slows me down. Anyone have any tips on this or should I just learn to deal?

DaleAnn82 · July 2012

I am there with you! I yawn a lot during my Insanity work outs. Usually about 1/2 way through. I don't know why, but my husband just keeps telling me it's because I need more oxygen... who knows. But I am just dealing with it. I do still smoke though, so maybe it is that I need more oxygen...Let me know if you come up with a "cure".

saraann4 · July 2012

I do it too. I just think it's because I'm bored and need to switch up my workouts

mraemoore · July 2012

Well according to the internet its a rare issue and I should get checked out by a doctor but I figure as long as I'm ABLE to breathe and I'm not experiencing any circulatory problems like light headedness or anything then I'm just going to deal with it. I don't smoke so I doubt your smoking contributes to your issue. I just wish I knew how to stop it!

natasha150 · July 2012

I get the same thing when working out.

it definitely has to do with your body trying to get a bit more oxygen. but to date it has not caused an issue in the way i train - but in your case, if it persists and becomes a bit of a nuisance then might be an idea to go to the gp for a general health check.

good luck.

yerfgirl · July 2012

I yawn too. It's especially bad if I've been at work sitting at my desk all day. I am not that concerned about it. I do tell the instructor that it's not them, it's me. Once I get moving it goes away after a while.

drmerc · July 2012

I've always experienced this same problem

MooMooooo · July 2012

This used to happen to me all the time during my pump classes.

The instructor used to threaten me with push ups if I didn't stop. arg.

I figured it was because I was tired (and I was) later I took a course of iron pills and I haven't had an issue since.

BTW all this talk of yawning is making me yawn... :O

NKF92879 · July 2012

What I've been told:

We yawn when our brains need more oxygen, and not necessarily when we're tired.I would think yawning during workouts is understandable if that is, medically, the case.

DrG3n3 · July 2012

Just a heads up, a recent article came out that points to yawning as a way to send cool blood to the brain. So when you are working out and your core is starting to heat up, you may be yawning so that your body can work on cooling itself, mainly the brain and above the shoulders.

Edited to add the link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919171340.htm

Sappy320 · July 2012

If the yawning occurs it means you are dehydrated. I have had the same problem. Driking a bunch of water when you workout won't help with this, but making sure you stay hydrated through out the day will prevent the yawning during your next workout.

brttnyhrrll · July 2012

OMG i thought i was the only one. i also do the jillian workouts.

& the water thing... drink 8+ cups before 5pm...i usually workout at like 6 or 7 & i still yawn like cray.

tom_olech · July 2012

A yawn is just the bodies way of getting more oxygen into your system when your not at the optimal level or arousal (for those of you who never grew up, i do not mean that sexually!!)...my adivce is try pumping yourself up during a workout...do alittle cardio before, maybe listen to some faster paced music, jump up and down....whatever works

autumnk921 · July 2012

I have been yawning the whole time I have been reading through this...lol I also yawn during my workouts...I thought it was just me b/c I know you are supposed to gain energy from working out but I would yawn a whole lot...I am going to check out the link someone gave above and also try to drink more water and see if that helps at all...Thanks for the tip, I wish I had some to give though...

lisablueeyes · July 2012

Phew... i thought I was the only one who's yawning during my workouts!!! I know in my case its because I do need more oxygen!!

cordianet · July 2012

Try breathing through both your nose and mouth. If the "cooling of the brain" theory is correct, breathing through you nose will help with that, thus you may experience less yawning. Plus, all the exercise physiologists say to do this anyway so it won't hurt to try...

CallejaFairey · July 2012

Just a heads up, a recent article came out that points to yawning as a way to send cool blood to the brain. So when you are working out and your core is starting to heat up, you may be yawning so that your body can work on cooling itself, mainly the brain and above the shoulders.

Edited to add the link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919171340.htm

I would totally buy this, cause I wake up in the morning and usually by the time I get to work am awake

But, where I work is terrible about being hot, and it's a physical job, so within an hour I am both sweating like crazy and yawning my head off. Always thought heat was the issue.

hillbillybumpkin · July 2012

To the best of my knowledge, yawning has always been an indication of low oxygen. I'd say it is your increased workout and lack of proper breathing. try slowing it down a bit but stretch out the time and see if that helps.