Feeling faint

[Halo1]

Yesterday I went to the gym with my boyfriend and the 1st thing I did was go on the cross trainer (I think thats the same thing as an eliptical trainer) for 10 minutes. It had one of those heart monitor do-hickys on the handles and I wantched my rate climb to about 180.

But after 10 minutes I felt awful, I had to sit down and I really thought I would faint. The world started to go quiet, blue and fuzzy like it does whenever Ive fainted before (never during exercise, when Ive been ill or something). I didnt actually faint, but I think that was because I saw it comeing and sat down...

Anyway, last time I saw my doctor she said my blood pressure was a bit on the low side, I cant remember the actual numbers. And it was a bit hot in the gym.

Im 19 years old (female) im 5ft 6/7ish" and weigh 138lbs, I shouldn't be haivng troble with a bit of exercise.

Anyway, the feeling passed and I was able to use the treadmill and bike fine. Anybody have any clue what might have happened?

 

[Alibran]

Well, your heart rate was probably a bit higher than it should be for SS (steady state) cardio. At your age, 180 is about 90% of your max heart rate, and for SS cardio, it should be between 65 - 80%. You could have been working a bit too hard.

The heat may have had something to do with it. The temperature has been higher lately, and I know my gym has been a lot hotter these last few days. Getting too hot is one of the reasons I faint sometimes.

You might not have eaten enough prior to going to the gym. When had you last eaten, and what did you eat?

Also, if your blood pressure is still a bit low, that may have affected it.

If it happened to me, I probably wouldn't think anything of it, but that's because I know how my body behaves. If it happens to anyone else, I recommend they see the doctor. It's probably nothing to worry about, but it's better to be on the safe side.

Oh, and you were right. Cross trainer and elliptical are exactly the same thing.

 

[Halo1]

Thanks alibran,

That day Id had cerial for breakfast and a sandwhich for lunch. That would have been a few hours before so that might have been it. I probably will mention it to my doctor next time I go.