Push-ups are a classic exercise that can help build strength and endurance, but have you ever found yourself feeling nauseous during or after this workout? If so, you’re not alone! In this post, I explain the potential reasons why push-ups may make you feel sick and offer some possible solutions to help you power through your workout without feeling queasy
Here are five potential reasons why push-ups may make you feel nauseous then I explain below: overexertion, low blood sugar, dehydration, acid reflux, anxiety
Note that these are just potential reasons why push-ups may make you feel nauseous.
If you’re experiencing persistent nausea or other symptoms during exercise, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor or a qualified fitness professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions or issues with your technique.
Overexertion
When we push ourselves to the limit during exercise, our muscles require more oxygen to keep working.
This extra demand for oxygen can cause the heart to pump faster, and the lungs to work harder to supply more oxygen to the muscles.
If we continue to push beyond our limits, the body may not be able to keep up with the extra demand, which can lead to fatigue and nausea.
During push-ups, the body is in a horizontal position, which means that the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the upper body.
This can put even more strain on the cardiovascular system, leading to greater fatigue and nausea.
when we push ourselves too hard during exercise, the body may begin to produce excess lactic acid, which can also contribute to feelings of fatigue and nausea.
It’s important to listen to your body during exercise and not push yourself beyond your limits.
Gradually building up strength and endurance can help prevent overexertion and associated symptoms like nausea.
If you’re experiencing persistent nausea during exercise, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor or a qualified fitness professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions or issues with your technique.
Here is a table with potential reasons for overexertion during push-ups and possible fixes:
| Reason | Possible Fix |
|---|---|
| Pushing yourself too hard | Take breaks and rest when feeling fatigued; reduce the intensity of the exercise |
| Lack of conditioning | Start with easier exercises and gradually work your way up to more challenging exercises; incorporate strength training and cardiovascular exercise into your routine |
| Poor recovery | Allow enough time for rest and recovery between workouts; incorporate stretching and foam rolling into your routine |
| Inadequate warm-up | Warm up with dynamic stretching or light cardio before doing push-ups |
| Overtraining | Reduce the frequency and duration of your workouts; incorporate rest and recovery days into your routine |
| Improper breathing | Breathe deeply and exhale fully during the exercise; practice breathing techniques to improve oxygen flow |
| Poor form or technique | Make sure you are using proper form and technique, and ask a trainer or coach for help if necessary |
| Inadequate nutrition | Eat a balanced diet with enough calories and nutrients to support your exercise routine |
| Insufficient hydration | Drink enough water before, during, and after exercise |
It’s important to listen to your body during exercise and take breaks as needed to prevent overexertion and nausea. Gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts and incorporating rest and recovery days into your routine can also help prevent overexertion and improve overall fitness.
Low blood sugar.
When we eat, our bodies break down the food into glucose, which is a type of sugar that provides energy to our cells.
During exercise, our muscles need a steady supply of glucose to keep working.
If we haven’t eaten enough before exercising, our blood sugar levels can drop, which can cause nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
Push-ups are a type of resistance exercise that require a lot of energy from the muscles, especially the chest, shoulders, and arms.
These muscles need a steady supply of glucose to keep working, and if there isn’t enough glucose available, they may start to feel weak and fatigued. This can lead to nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
To avoid low blood sugar during exercise, it’s important to eat a balanced meal or snack beforehand that includes complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
This can help ensure that your body has a steady supply of glucose to fuel your muscles during exercise.
It’s also important to stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise, as dehydration can also cause low blood sugar and associated symptoms like nausea.
Here is a table with potential reasons for low blood sugar during push-ups and possible fixes:
| Reason | Possible Fix |
|---|---|
| Not eating enough before exercise | Eat a balanced meal or snack with carbohydrates and protein before exercise; avoid sugary foods that can cause a rapid sugar crash |
| Waiting too long between meals | Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar levels |
| Insulin reaction | If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication or insulin dosage before exercise |
| Poor hydration | Drink enough water before and during exercise to maintain hydration levels |
| Electrolyte imbalance | Eat foods high in electrolytes, such as bananas or coconut water, or drink sports drinks that contain electrolytes |
| Medical conditions | If you have a medical condition that affects blood sugar regulation, such as hypoglycemia or diabetes, talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition during exercise |
It’s important to eat a balanced meal or snack before exercise to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Drinking enough water and consuming foods high in electrolytes can also help maintain hydration levels and prevent low blood sugar symptoms. If you have a medical condition that affects blood sugar regulation, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition during exercise.
Dehydration.
When we exercise, our bodies produce heat, which causes us to sweat. Sweating is the body’s way of regulating its temperature, but it also causes us to lose fluids and electrolytes.
If we don’t replace these fluids by drinking enough water, we can become dehydrated, which can cause a range of symptoms including nausea.
During push-ups, the body is in a horizontal position, which can make it harder for sweat to evaporate and cool the body.
This can cause us to sweat even more, leading to greater fluid loss and dehydration.
Additionally, if we’re exercising in a hot or humid environment, we may sweat even more, increasing the risk of dehydration and associated symptoms like nausea.
To prevent dehydration during exercise, it’s important to drink enough water before, during, and after your workout.
The amount of water you need will depend on factors like your body weight, the intensity of your exercise, and the temperature and humidity of your environment.
As a general guideline, aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water every 15-20 minutes during exercise.
You can also monitor your hydration levels by checking the color of your urine – if it’s pale yellow or clear, you’re likely well hydrated, but if it’s dark yellow or amber, you may need to drink more water.
Here is a table with potential reasons for dehydration during push-ups and possible fixes:
| Reason | Possible Fix |
|---|---|
| Not drinking enough water | Drink water before and during exercise to maintain hydration levels |
| Excessive sweating | Wear lightweight, breathable clothing; exercise in a cool, well-ventilated area; take breaks to cool down and rehydrate |
| High temperature or humidity | Exercise during cooler times of day, and avoid exercising outdoors in extreme heat or humidity |
| Medical conditions | Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease, can increase the risk of dehydration; talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition during exercise |
| Medications | Some medications, such as diuretics or blood pressure medications, can increase the risk of dehydration; talk to your doctor about how to manage your medication during exercise |
It’s VERY important to drink enough water before and during exercise to maintain hydration levels and prevent dehydration-related symptoms such as nausea.
Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and exercising in a cool, well-ventilated area can also help prevent excessive sweating and dehydration.
If you have a medical condition or are taking medication that increases the risk of dehydration, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition or medication during exercise.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more prone to acid reflux, as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) – the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach – doesn’t function properly, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
Doing push-ups can put pressure on the LES, which can cause it to weaken and allow stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
This can cause symptoms like nausea, heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Additionally, lying flat on the ground during push-ups can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms, as it can make it easier for stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
To avoid acid reflux during exercise, it’s important to avoid eating large meals or acidic foods before exercising, as these can trigger symptoms.
It may also be helpful to avoid exercises that put pressure on the LES, such as push-ups, until your acid reflux symptoms are under control. If you do decide to do push-ups, try modifying the exercise by doing them on an incline (e.g. against a wall or bench) rather than on the ground.
it’s important to wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before exercising to allow your stomach enough time to digest your food and prevent acid reflux symptoms.
Here is a table with potential reasons for acid reflux during push-ups and possible fixes:
| Reason | Possible Fix |
|---|---|
| Acid reflux or GERD | Avoid doing push-ups immediately after eating; wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before exercising; elevate the head of your bed; avoid foods that trigger acid reflux, such as spicy or acidic foods |
| Hiatal hernia | Avoid doing exercises that put pressure on the abdomen, such as sit-ups or crunches; talk to your doctor about other exercises that are safe for you to do |
| Overeating | Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to prevent overeating |
| Poor digestion | Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly; avoid drinking large amounts of fluids with meals |
| Poor posture | Maintain good posture during exercise to prevent pressure on the abdomen |
| Medications | Some medications, such as pain relievers or muscle relaxants, can increase the risk of acid reflux; talk to your doctor about how to manage your medication during exercise |
It’s important to avoid doing push-ups immediately after eating and wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before exercising to prevent acid reflux symptoms such as nausea.
Elevating the head of your bed, avoiding trigger foods, and eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can also help prevent acid reflux.
If you have a medical condition that increases the risk of acid reflux, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition during exercise.
Anxiety.
Anxiety and stress can cause the body to produce excess adrenaline, which can lead to a range of symptoms including nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
Push-ups can be a challenging exercise, requiring a lot of physical and mental effort, and if you’re already feeling anxious, they may exacerbate these symptoms.
When we’re anxious, our breathing may become shallow and rapid, which can make it harder to perform exercises like push-ups that require deep breathing and focus.
Additionally, anxiety can cause muscle tension and fatigue, which can make it harder to complete the exercise and may lead to symptoms like nausea and dizziness.
To manage anxiety during exercise, it’s important to practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques before and during your workout.
This can help calm the body and reduce the production of adrenaline. It may also be helpful to start with easier exercises and gradually work your way up to more challenging exercises like push-ups.
Finally, if you’re experiencing severe anxiety symptoms like panic attacks, it may be best to avoid exercise until you’ve spoken with a healthcare professional about managing your anxiety.
Here is a table with potential reasons for anxiety during push-ups and possible fixes:
| Reason | Possible Fix |
|---|---|
| General anxiety or stress | Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, before and during exercise; consider talking to a therapist or counselor about managing anxiety |
| Fear of failure or injury | Set realistic goals for yourself and focus on progress rather than perfection; use proper form and technique to prevent injury |
| Overexertion | Avoid pushing yourself too hard during exercise; start with a lower intensity or shorter duration and gradually increase over time |
| Medical conditions | Certain medical conditions, such as panic disorder, can increase the risk of anxiety during exercise; talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition during exercise |
| Medications | Some medications, such as certain antidepressants, can increase the risk of anxiety during exercise; talk to your doctor about how to manage your medication during exercise |
It’s important to practice relaxation techniques and set realistic goals for yourself to prevent anxiety-related symptoms during push-ups.
Using proper form and technique can also help prevent injury and build confidence. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication that increases the risk of anxiety, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how to manage your condition or medication during exercise.
Here is a table with 20 potential reasons why push-ups can cause nausea and possible fixes:
| Reason | Possible Fix |
|---|---|
| Dehydration | Drink enough water before, during, and after exercise |
| Acid reflux or GERD | Avoid exercising after large meals or acidic foods; modify the exercise by doing push-ups on an incline; wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before exercising |
| Anxiety or stress | Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques before and during exercise; start with easier exercises and gradually work your way up to more challenging exercises |
| Low blood sugar | Eat a small snack with carbohydrates and protein before exercising |
| Postural hypotension | Stand up slowly after doing push-ups |
| Overexertion | Take breaks and rest when feeling fatigued; reduce the intensity of the exercise |
| Poor form or technique | Make sure you are using proper form and technique, and ask a trainer or coach for help if necessary |
| Inadequate warm-up | Warm up with dynamic stretching or light cardio before doing push-ups |
| Overeating or eating too close to exercise | Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before exercising |
| Motion sickness | Avoid looking at moving objects or focus on a stationary object while exercising |
| Migraine or headache | Take medication before exercising; avoid exercising during a migraine or headache |
| Medication side effects | Talk to a healthcare professional about adjusting medication or dosage |
| Low blood pressure | Stand up slowly after doing push-ups; increase salt intake |
| Pregnancy | Modify the exercise or avoid it altogether; consult with a healthcare professional before exercising while pregnant |
| Menstruation | Modify the exercise or avoid it altogether during menstruation |
| Inner ear problems | Consult with a healthcare professional; avoid head movements during exercise |
| Heat exhaustion | Exercise in a cool environment and avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day |
| Food intolerance or allergy | Avoid trigger foods before exercising |
| Infection or illness | Rest and recover before exercising |
| Vestibular disorders | Avoid head movements during exercise; consult with a healthcare professional |
Note that if you are experiencing persistent nausea or other symptoms during exercise, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Related vidoe here – what to do if you cant push ups ^^
Conclusion
In conclusion, feeling nauseous during or after push-ups can be a frustrating experience, but there are many potential reasons why this may occur.
From dehydration and poor form to underlying medical conditions and medication side effects, it’s important to understand the root cause of your symptoms and take steps to address them.
By incorporating some of the possible fixes into your exercise routine, such as practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques, modifying your form, and staying hydrated, you may be able to overcome your nausea and continue to enjoy the benefits of push-ups.
Remember, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.hnique.
