Light-headed, weak after exercising
Dear Donovan,
I’ve been experiencing light-headedness and weak arm and leg muscles every time after exercising. Could this be due to glycogen depletion and muscle breakdown? I’m struggling to recover and it’s been several weeks since my last session. Could you advise?
Arm and leg weakness can be caused by many different conditions, some temporary and others chronic. Going too intense and too quickly with your exercise programme is one of the main causes of temporary weakness in the arms and legs. In addition, clinical weakness may be caused by neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, toxic overload, and certain metabolic illnesses, for example, diabetes.
Although weakness in the arms and legs is usually not a serious problem, when it is associated with other problems such as dizziness, it might be of more concern. In your situation your weakness and dizziness have been going on for a while. It may not be a bad idea to consult with a doctor to make sure that there are no other underlying medical problems.
It is very important that you prepare your body for an exercise programme. If you feel your body is toxic, you should do a detox programme. A three-day juice fast could help to remove toxins from the body and improve weak arms and legs after exercising. In addition, if the body becomes dehydrated, this could cause weak arms and legs. It is therefore important to drink at least 32 ounces of water two hours before exercise. Drink water during exercise too, if you feel you are becoming dehydrated.
Also, it is very important that there is enough potassium in the body. Potassium is important in the proper functioning of the muscles. If the potassium levels are low, this can lead to cramping and weakness in the arms and legs. It is therefore important to have adequate amounts of potassium in your diet.
In addition, having a nutritious and light meal two hours before exercising might also be helpful in reducing weakness in the arms and legs. Usually glycogen is the stored form of energy in the body. During exercise this glycogen is reconverted to glucose and used to fuel muscle contraction. If glucose levels become low, this can result in the weakness in the arms and legs.
You also mentioned that you were experiencing light-headedness (dizziness) after exercising. This condition is mainly associated with blood sugar levels as well as blood circulation. It is very important to note that low blood sugar levels can cause dizziness. In addition, abrupt changes in blood circulation can cause dizziness. It is important to note that when we exercise there is an increase in our heart rate and blood flow. This increased blood flow usually causes the blood vessels to dilate. This can cause a drop in blood pressure which can cause dizziness.
Light-headedness after exercise can be reduced or prevented by slowing down the exercise gradually, keeping hydrated, eating properly, breathing properly during exercise, and not overexerting yourself during exercise. I would strongly suggest that you try all the things I have mentioned.
Good luck!
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Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
