Read This If You Get Headaches After Working Out

While most of us feel pretty good after a workout, not all of us do. For a handful of people, a workout often comes hand in hand with an unwelcome outcome in the form of a thumping headache. If that’s you, read on to find out why you might be suffering, and what you can do to prevent them.

One of the reasons exercise is thought to exacerbate headaches is linked to the change in blood flow that occurs during it. During exercise, particularly if it’s an intense bout, your body needs more blood and oxygen to get through it. When that happens, arteries and veins expand to allow more blood to flow. While this is good news for the rest of your body, the increased pressure can create pain in your head as your brain tries to cope with the demand. According to one study, women and those prone to headaches are more a risk of experiencing these headaches.

Other triggers also thought to be a reason for post-workout headaches include dehydration and low blood sugar levels. To combat this, make sure you’re properly hydrated before, during and after your workout and have something to eat that will sustain you through your session. Not performing exercises correctly is another problem that can lead to headaches; excess strain on areas like the shoulders and neck can create tension and lead to pain, so if you’re incorporating particular moves into your workout make sure you’re executing them correctly to minimise injury or damage. A good warm up before you start will ease your muscles into an intense session and could help negate an exercise headache.

If you like to exercise outside, it might be that sunlight is also a trigger. If the glare of the sun is too strong to be comfortable, then consider wearing sunglasses with a good UV protection or exercise later in the day when the sun isn’t so strong.