Working until we are tired is a key part of most exercise routines. However, severe exhaustion and unusual feelings of fatigue should not be a part of a typical workout. In this article, Winnipeg fitness trainer Gabriel Patterson outlines six common causes of unusual exercise tiredness. If you have any concerns that you may have some medical condition causing excessive fatigue, see your medical care professional immediately.
- Lack of Quality Sleep
Our busy lifestyles can create crowded schedules. With work, family, social activities, and exercise competing for our time, we are often left with inadequate time for sleep. Other times, medical conditions can affect overall sleep quality. When you are not getting enough sleep, your body is going to feel sluggish and fatigued more often. One of the most important aspects of any exercise routine is getting sufficient rest for the body to recharge and maintain energy levels. If you find that you are unusually weak or tired during a workout, consider whether you have had enough sleep.
- Nutritional Issues
Assuming that you have a well-developed dietary plan (you definitely should), workouts can suffer when you deviate from your regular dietary routine before working out. Your pre-workout routine should always include the right foods to maintain your energy levels, including the right types and combinations of proteins and carbohydrates. Whether you may have skipped a meal altogether or had some food that sucks the energy from your muscles, inattention to nutritional needs can cause energy problems during a workout.
- Asthma and Respiratory Issues
Asthma or other lung issues can cause significant weakness during exertion or stressful activities. If you are finding that you are yawning excessively when working out but aren’t experiencing sleepiness, you may have some respiratory distress affecting your energy level. These types of conditions also can have severe effects on your sleep, which leads to further fatigue and tiredness.
- Dehydration
It is hard to overemphasize the importance of water to your body’s energy and well-being. Every system and cell in the human body is fundamentally dependent on adequate hydration. Weakness, fatigue, and headaches are common symptoms of insufficient hydration. When exercising outdoors or in a warm environment, hydration is even more critical. If you are having energy issues while exercising, consider upping your fluid intake before, during, and after your workout.
- Anemia
Anemia causes symptoms that can become exaggerated during exercise, including fatigue and weakness. Anemia is a common condition that affects the body’s ability to carry oxygen through the bloodstream to muscles and the brain. You should see your doctor to determine whether you have any anemic conditions. Anemia is typically treated with iron supplements or dietary changes.
- Overtraining or Lack of Training Variety
Even highly trained athletes must pay careful attention to the perils of overtraining. Going hard for seven days in a row is typically going to cause the body to weaken and revolt against continually difficult exercise. Variety goes hand in hand with the concept of rest and recovery. An off day does not necessarily mean sleeping on the couch. Changing up your routine by adding in some light cardio or playing low-impact sports on recovery days can help keep your energy level up during routine workouts.
About Gabriel Patterson
Gabriel Patterson is a Winnipeg native and certified fitness trainer and health coach who advocates a balanced and healthy lifestyle for his clients. Gabriel’s passion for an active and productive lifestyle has led him to his mission of supporting and educating his clients as they discover new health and fitness routines. He emphasizes a nutrient-dense diet for his clients as they recover from sports injuries or seek solid fitness foundations. As a lifelong athlete, Gabriel developed a deep interest in physiology and advanced training as a competitive swimmer. He has taken his experience as a personal trainer into the business world as the founder of Patterson Training. Contact Gabriel for information about his training programs and how he can help you reach your potential and push the limits of your personal fitness and health program.
