Although the weather is finally starting to cool off a bit, the urge to pass out in the middle of a workout will never really “cool off.”
It usually only happens to me in the middle of summer, but I’m sure it’s happened in colder weather a time or two. That terrifying feeling: ringing ears, everything turns bright white, shortness of breath, and….she’s out.
You’d think I’d be used to passing out by now; I’ve been doing it since I can remember. I don’t know why I’m so susceptible to it, but regardless of how many times it’s happened, it’s always kind of scary. And If you’re a chronic passer-outter you know what I’m talking about.
As a trainer, friend, sister, girlfriend and daughter, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. Simple little coping mechanisms to keep me from passing out cold and freaking everybody out.
If you’re reading this and thinking to yourself “WHAT? People really, like pass out during workouts?” Yes, dear. Yes they do.
And even if you’ve never experienced a blackout mid-workout, you still might find these tips useful. . .
1. Breathe
Sounds stupid-simple, right? But seriously…breathe. You’d be surprised by how many times you unconsciously hold your breath during a workout. It’s a bad habit; and most everyone is a culprit. If you have a hard time “getting oxygen” while doing cardio, try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. In for two counts, out for two counts.
2. Focus
Yes, you should always be focusing on your workout, but I mean this quite literally. Find a focal point on the wall; a dot, a clock, a TV, etc., and don’t take your eyes off of it. This is especially important while doing ab work on the floor. If you find yourself always getting dizzy doing abs, try the focus trick. And don’t forget to breathe!
3. Pre-hydrate, hydrate, re-hydrate
I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir here, but I can’t express enough how important it is to hydrate yourself. Drinking cold water before your workout will help you last longer before heat exhaustion starts to set in. And hydrating during (and after) your workout is just plain crucial. No gatorade, no vitamin water, just water. Drink up.
4. Nourish
Yea, yea…you need to eat. How many times have you heard that before? And how many times have you ignored it? (My hand is raised). I’m really not a breakfast person, but if I workout in the morning, I HAVE to have something in my stomach. For the longest time, I ignored what my body was telling me and worked out on an empty stomach. Some people can do that with absolutely no problem, but I am definitely not one of them. A spoonful of peanut butter, or a glass of chocolate milk usually does the trick. An Atkins Bar or a bowl of oatmeal are great options too; just a little something to coat your stomach.
So…breathe, focus, hydrate and nourish. And don’t forget to give yourself a break every now and then. You CAN do this! 🙂
Stay fit, friends! Xo
Omg! These are great reminders. I get the Emerald Almond individual packs and eat half right before I do a morning workout and the other half as soon as I’m done. If I exercise before work, I don’t have time to get a good breakfast in until awhile later but this helps! How much water do you drink everyday?
Looove almonds! What a great idea! – I probably drink up to a gallon of water a day. I’m constantly carrying around a water bottle.