Can Pre Workout Cause Dizziness? How to Prevent it!

When you’re ready to crush your gym session, a pre-workout supplement can be your best ally. It’s designed to help you push harder, lift heavier, and work out longer. But what happens when you start feeling dizzy after taking your pre-workout? Is it the supplement causing this, or could it be something else? Let’s delve deeper into this topic and find out.

Is it possible for pre-workout to cause dizziness?

The answer is yes. While not common, it’s possible for some people to experience dizziness after consuming their pre-workout supplement. This typically occurs due to ingredients in the supplement that may affect blood pressure, hydration levels or stimulate the nervous system excessively.

What are some pre-workout ingredients that may cause dizziness?

Let’s delve into some common pre-workout ingredients that might contribute to feelings of dizziness.

Caffeine

Caffeine, the secret sauce in most pre-workout supplements, can turn you into an Energiser bunny, keeping you focused and on your toes. But beware! Too much of this liquid gold can send your heart racing like it’s in the Olympics, change your blood pressure game, and leave you as parched as a desert, all making your head spin faster than a rollercoaster (1).

Beta-Alanine

This amino acid present in most pre-workouts is known for enhancing high-intensity exercise capacity. It’s like the buffer zone between you and muscle fatigue. But for some, they might experience a tingling sensation (paresthesia) that could make them feel like they’re on a dizzying carousel ride (2).

Nitric Oxide Boosters (L-arginine and L-citrulline)

These ingredients are here to pump up your blood flow, delivering nutrients and oxygen for optimal workout performance. But remember, too many packages at once can be a bit much, and you might find yourself feeling like you’re on a swaying ship on the high seas (3).

Yohimbe

Yohimbe is like that supercharged energy drink that not only gives you a jolt but can also help you burn fat. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. For some, Yohimbe might bring along some uninvited guests, like a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and a case of dizziness, especially if you’re not taking it according to your body weight (4).

Other factors that can cause dizziness

Ever felt like you’ve done a few rounds with a merry-go-round after your workout? While these dizzy spells might just be common pre-workout side effects or a harmless nervous system reaction doing a little jig, don’t shrug them off too quickly. They could also be your body’s way of telling you there’s more to the story. So, let’s explore this further:

Pre-Workout

• Dehydration: Even before you start your workout, dehydration can sneak up on you, resulting in dizziness. Always hydrate before hitting the gym.
• Pre-Existing Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can make you more susceptible to experiencing dizziness during workouts. If you have a known condition, consult with a healthcare professional about your fitness regimen.

During Workout

• Overexertion: Pushing your body beyond its limits can lead to dizziness. Remember, progress is a gradual process; don’t rush it!
• Poor Breathing Techniques: Holding your breath or not breathing properly during exercise can cause a drop in oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in dizziness.
• High-Intensity Workouts: High-intensity workouts can sometimes lead to sudden drops in blood pressure, causing momentary dizziness.

Post-Workout

• Rapid Cool Down: Cooling down too quickly after an intense workout can cause dizziness. Gradually lower your intensity during the cool-down phase instead.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people might have severe allergic reactions to ingredients in their post-workout supplements, leading to dizziness, among other symptoms.
• Neglecting Post-Workout Nutrition: After a strenuous workout, your body needs nutrients to recover. Skipping a post-workout meal can result in low blood sugar levels, causing dizziness.

What are some tips for helping prevent dizziness while taking pre-workout?

1. Start with a Lower Dose

If you’re new to pre-workout products or have a lower body weight, starting with a smaller dose can help your body adjust without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can often lead to dizziness. Ensure you’re drinking enough water before, during, and after your workouts.

3. Monitor Your Caffeine Intake

Pre-workouts often contain caffeine. If you’re also consuming caffeine in other forms (like coffee or tea), you might exceed your tolerance level, leading to dizziness.

4. Avoid Proprietary Blends

Some pre-workouts use proprietary blends, making it hard to know exactly how much of each ingredient you’re consuming. Opt for products that clearly list the amount of each ingredient.

5. Listen to Your Body

If you start to feel sick or dizzy during your workout, take a break. Pushing through might exacerbate the dizziness and impact your exercise performance.

6. Don’t Rush Your Workout

Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts. Jumping into high-intensity exercise too quickly can lead to dizziness.

7. Consult a Professional

If you’re unsure about which pre-workout formulas to choose or how to incorporate them into your fitness regimen, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a fitness professional or a healthcare provider.

Can taking a pre-workout supplement cause dizziness? Our final wrap up

Pre-workout supplements can indeed turn you spinning, all due to those zippy ingredients they pack. But don’t forget, other culprits like not drinking enough H²O, pushing too hard in the gym, or running on an empty stomach can also throw you into a dizzy dance.

By following our tips, you can sip on your pre-workout drink and still keep your feet firmly on the ground. But remember, if dizziness becomes your unwanted workout buddy, it’s time to consult with a healthcare professional. They’re the real MVPs when it comes to tackling health hiccups.

References:

1. Briggs I, Chidley JB, Chidley C, Osler CJ. Effects of Caffeine Ingestion on Human Standing Balance: A Systematic Review of Placebo-Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2021 Oct 8;13(10):3527. doi: 10.3390/nu13103527. PMID: 34684527; PMCID: PMC8538128.
2. Ostfeld I, Hoffman JR. The Effect of β-Alanine Supplementation on Performance, Cognitive Function and Resiliency in Soldiers. Nutrients. 2023 Feb 19;15(4):1039. doi: 10.3390/nu15041039. PMID: 36839397; PMCID: PMC9961614.
3. Prosser, J. M., Majlesi, N., Chan, G. M., Olsen, D., Hoffman, R. S., & Nelson, L. S. (2009). Adverse effects associated with arginine alpha-ketoglutarate containing supplements. Human & experimental toxicology, 28(5), 259–262. https://doi.org/10.1177/0960327109104498
4. Jabir NR, Firoz CK, Zughaibi TA, Alsaadi MA, Abuzenadah AM, Al-Asmari AI, Alsaieedi A, Ahmed BA, Ramu AK, Tabrez S. A literature perspective on the pharmacological applications of yohimbine. Ann Med. 2022 Dec;54(1):2861-2875. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2131330. PMID: 36263866; PMCID: PMC9590431.