Stretching feels amazing. It makes you relaxed and comfortable, as well as prepared for action. So then, why does it sometimes make the complete opposite sensation? Have you ever wondered why you get dizzy after stretching?
One of the reasons why you might get dizzy after stretching is that most stretches are done with a sudden movement from a lying/sitting position to a standing position. And also dehydration, breathing, tiredness, or an empty stomach might be the reason for getting dizzy after stretching. It is absolutely normal to get dizzy from time to time after stretching.
But if you find yourself dizzying after every stretching session, there are most likely some underlying health issues.
Let’s get through them one by one.
1. You Changed Positions Too Fast
One of the most common reasons for feeling dizzy after stretching is a sudden change in position.
Think about a forward fold, seated stretch or floor hip stretch. Your head and torso might be down for several seconds before you return to standing position. Once upright some blood has rushed to your lower body and less is reaching your brain, causing lightheadedness. This is sometimes called orthostatic hypotension. Instead of rapidly going from one position to another, try moving more gradually.
2. You’re Holding Your Breath
Have you ever forgotten to breathe while doing a stretch? It is easy to do – especially when trying to hold a difficult position.
It is possible to find oneself unintentionally holding breath at times or even gasping while trying to extend one's body a little more than usual. One can feel dizzy if one breathes quickly and superficially. Therefore, one needs to pay attention to the way one breathes while stretching and try taking slowly measured breaths in and out.
3. You’re Dehydrated
If you ask yourself the question why am I dizzy after stretching the chances are you did not take enough fluids on that day.
This is because dehydration leads to lowering of blood pressure. This is especially evident after some kind of physical activity including sports or sweating, and even after having been in heat for some time.
Drinking enough water throughout the day is more important than trying to consume a large quantity of water before or after exercising.
4. Your Blood Sugar May Be Low
While stretching does not generally induce low blood sugar itself other factors associated with physical exercises can.
Not eating for a few hours, exercising on an empty stomach or having a particularly vigorous workout can induce low blood sugar causing weakness, dizziness, trembling or sweating.
In such a case a light meal or snack before exercising is beneficial. However, should you constantly experience feelings of lightheadedness post workout it would be of a good idea to consult a medical professional rather than blaming an empty stomach
5. You’re Overdoing Your Workout
It is surprising how a yoga stretch or two can leave you feeling sore and exhausted. Usually this is a good thing – a sign that your muscles have adapted to their usual routine and need to be challenged. However, overexertion can also be the reason why after stretching you feel light headed
After a particularly strenuous workout your body might still be working to lower your heart rate and return blood flow to normal. Stopping suddenly and doing static stretches can cause lightheadedness in some people. Rapid changes between types of exercise can also be a factor. Try cooling down a little before stretching.
6. Heat or Poor Ventilation Is Making It Worse
A hot and stuffy room can leave you feeling pretty lightheaded.
Heat can cause your body to work harder to sustain its core temperature by perspiring. Coupled with exercise dehydration and sudden movements it can make you feel a little woozy. If possible try exercising in cooler temperatures and take a break if you feel too hot.
7. An Underlying Health Issue Could Be Involved
Lightheadedness is usually not a big concern – and you definitely feel its benefits. Even so, if it starts happening regularly or in conjunction with other unrelated symptoms, it may be a sign to consult a doctor. Dizziness may indicate that there is a problem with low blood pressure, anemia, certain medications, ear disorders, heart rhythms, or blood pressure regulation. If you have frequent migraines together with fainting, difficulty breathing, unusual chest pain, heart racing, vision impairment, or extreme fatigue it is mandatory to see a doctor.
How to Prevent Dizziness After Stretching
Try a few of these and see if they help reduce or eliminate post stretching dizziness:
- Always move gradually from one position to another
- Breathe evenly throughout each stretch
- Stay hydrated but avoid over exertion when you are tired
- Avoid exercising in excessively hot conditions
- Cool down a little after a strenuous workout before doing any stretching
- Never push yourself into a painful position or hold a stretch longer than is comfortable
- Eat regular meals and snacks in relation to exercising times based on your individual needs
- Sit or lie down immediately if you feel like you might faint
If you feel lightheaded, stop exercising and sit or lie down in a safe place until the sensation passes.
Final Thoughts
Why do I feel dizzy after stretching? It is most likely due to an uncomplicated reason such as standing up too quickly, holding your breath, being dehydrated or exercising to hard. The important thing is to determine what is causing your dizziness and take action to prevent it from happening again. If changing or adding a few simple things in your stretching or exercise routine stops the feeling there is probably no need to worry. But remember, when in doubt get medical advice. After all, stretching should make you feel good – not leave you questioning if the world is spinning.
