Experiencing Nausea and Dizziness During Pilates
I am a 42-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 185 pounds with no existing medical conditions. Recently, I attended a Pilates session utilizing the reformer, and approximately 15 minutes into the class, I began to feel queasy and lightheaded. While the discomfort subsided temporarily, it returned towards the conclusion of the class and lingered for about 20 minutes after I finished. It’s worth noting that I have not engaged in any exercise apart from walking for quite some time. Additionally, I’m looking to shed some pounds and recognize that my physical fitness isn’t at its peak, especially since I spend most of my day seated at a desk. I’m curious about the reasons behind feeling unwell during a workout, as I have another class scheduled for the coming days and would like to avoid a repeat of this experience.
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 5:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing nausea and dizziness during a workout like Pilates can be concerning, especially if you're just getting back into exercise. Several factors may contribute to your symptoms, including changes in physical activity, hydration status, and potential underlying issues such as low blood sugar or muscle fatigue.
Explanation
When you start exercising after a long period of inactivity, your body can react in various ways, such as feeling lightheaded or nauseous. This may be due to:
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids before your workout can lead to dizziness and nausea.
- Low Blood Sugar: If you haven't eaten adequately before exercising, low blood sugar can cause nausea and dizziness.
- Overexertion: Starting a new workout regime, particularly one that involves equipment like a reformer, can be challenging for the body, leading to fatigue.
- Balance and Core Activation: Pilates involves a lot of core work, which may feel unfamiliar if you're not used to engaging those muscles.
Next Steps
To help prevent similar experiences in your upcoming Pilates classes, consider these prioritized actions:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and have a glass 30 minutes before your class. This can help mitigate dizziness.
- Eat Wisely: Have a light snack that includes both carbohydrates and protein about 30 to 60 minutes before your class (e.g., a banana with a small handful of nuts). This can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Pace Yourself: Modify your exercises during class to match your current fitness level. Discuss your concerns with the instructor beforehand; they may suggest modifications.
- Focus on Breathing: Practice controlled breathing techniques during your workout to help manage lightheadedness. Inhale deeply before exerting effort and exhale while performing the movement.
If these strategies do not alleviate your symptoms or if you experience them again, consider tracking your exercise, food, and fluid intake to identify patterns and triggers.
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