Headaches after excercise... Advice?

[LindseyM234]

So I'm not a big poster just because I tend to be rather shy and quiet but I could really do with some advice.

I go to a Saturday morning bodyCombat class at my gym which I love and get a lot out of but every week as we start the cool down/stretch I start getting headaches. I have my usual breakfast in the morning about 2 hours before I start and I drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Do you think I should try taking one of those isotope type drinks when I go?

I just don't know what to do because I want to keep going to it but I the last 3 or so Saturdays have been wasted because the headache afterwards is so bad I'm practically bed bound.

(I also go to a Zumba and PoundFit class throughout the week in the morning and don't usually have headaches after that, but think that could be because it's not quite as intense?)

[Hidden]

It might be something to do with the muscles in your neck, they can sometimes effect muscles in your head so you get headache. Look into stretches for your neck muscles and see if it helps.

[LindseyM234 in reply to Hidden]

That's actually really helpful. I had neck issues 4 or 5 years ago but hadn't even thought that it might be that... I'll defintely look into stretches! Thank you Jimatom

[Hidden in reply to LindseyM234]

It has happened to me before.

Look up scm muscles it might point you in the right direction.

You are welcome 😀

[Hidden]

No advice from me sorry - only make sure you are drinking plenty of water

I would suggest you contact your GP surgery and ask to speak to a nurse who maybe able to advise you

[IndigoBlue61]

Have you mentioned this to the class leader? They should be knowledgeable about exercise 😊 But I agree with Cracker, any doubts please check with GP

[MrNiceGuy]

I agree with Jimatom in suggesting that the headaches may well be attributed to level of exertion and enthusiasm displayed during the class, since muscles of your upper torso, particularly those of your trapezius take a battering, as you repeatedly jab, follow through and hook with your arms for 60 minutes.

Additionally, through attempting to control the movements, so that you don't over extend and lose balance, you may also be clenching the muscles, which will eventually lead to tension and discomfort, since they're unable to fully relax.

As such, during the rest periods, roll your shoulders, move your head from side to side and shake the arms to relieve tension, while also trying to maintain a slight bend in the elbow as the arms extend (think soft, light and quick), as opposed to repeatedly locking them out at the end of the movement, since repeatedly locking out will also increase tension as the body tires.

Additionally, keep the knees soft, bending them slightly before imitating the follow through, hook or upper-cut, allowing force to be generated from the core as the trailing foot twists to support the movements.

Practising the punching movements (stand side on to a mirror), in a slower and more controlled motion, to perfect technique, between classes may also assist (open the fingers as the arms jab and follow through).

Again, as endurance improves, you may also find that the headaches simply disappear.

Nonetheless, although classes include a warm up, arrive at the gym 10-15 minutes before the class starts, so that a dynamic stretching routine can be performed.

[WollyPolly]

Have you had your blood pressure checked?