The bizarre side effects of exercise

Exercising can enhance your health and provide a myriad of benefits, including weight control, decreased risk of heart disease and increased agility. However, your workout routine may also cause some bizarre side effects. Don’t worry – you’re not on your own. Turns out the following symptoms are quite common among the fit & healthy…

Yawning

Yawning during exercise is quite typical. Yawning may occur during transitions, such as transitioning from a sedentary position to exercising. Additionally, yawning may help prepare the body for a challenging or energetic activity. The act of yawning causes physiological responses in the body that enhance your body’s respiration when oxygen levels are compromised, such as high-impact exercise. The excitement, anxiety and competition of exercise may play a role in yawning, since Olympic athletes often yawn prior to an event.

Flatulence

It’s not an excuse to let one go, but gasping or taking large gulps of air while exercising can cause excess production of gas. Additionally, core exercise, such as Pilates or yoga, increases the pressure around your midsection. When you contract your abdominal muscles surrounding your intestines, you’re likely to experience flatulence.

Heartburn

Running or engaging in abdominal workouts, such as sit-ups, may cause a burning pain in your chest. These types of exercises can move the food content in your stomach to the esophagus, causing heartburn and acid reflux. Participate in low-impact exercises, such as stationary bike riding, to decrease acid reflux and heartburn. Additionally, heartburn resulting from exercise can be prevented by avoiding dairy prior to your workout and allowing your body two hours to digest food before exercising.

Runny Nose

Exercise can cause physiological changes in the nervous system, prompting a runny nose, especially among individuals with exercise-induced rhinitis. Exercise-induced rhinitis is an inflammation in the tissue of the nose that’s common among athletes. Temperature changes and humid air can cause your blood vessels in your nasal passages to expand, allowing for secretions in the nose to flow more freely. Additionally, if you run or exercise outside, allergens in the environment can contribute to a runny nose.

Muscle Cramps

Exercise may cause muscles cramps if you overuse a muscle or injure a muscle. Working out when you’re dehydrated can also cause your muscles to contract and ultimately cramp as a result of too little water in the muscle. Cramping muscles aren’t uncommon and can be prevented by stretching your muscles prior to your exercise routine and consuming adequate fluids.

SOURCE: www.livestrong.com