Immediately after a workout, some seemingly harmless actions can actually increase stress on the body. Studies show that the risk of cardiovascular events may slightly increase during or immediately after high-intensity exercise.
Here are some things people should avoid doing after finishing a gym workout.
Sit down immediately
After exercise, blood is still circulating rapidly throughout the body, the heart rate is high, and the blood vessels in the muscles are dilated. At this time, if you stop exercising abruptly and sit down immediately, blood can pool in the lower body, reducing the amount of blood returning to the heart and brain. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of balance, according to the health website Healthline (USA).
After a gym workout, people should not sit down immediately as this can put pressure on the heart and blood vessels. PHOTO: AI
In rare cases, sudden changes in blood pressure and blood flow to the brain can increase the risk of stroke, especially in people with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.
Therefore, instead of stopping exercise abruptly, experts often recommend dedicating the last 5-10 minutes of your workout to light activities such as slow walking or stretching.
No rehydration
During exercise, the body loses a significant amount of water through sweat. If you don't replenish fluids after a workout, your body can become dehydrated.
Dehydration not only makes us tired but also affects blood circulation. When the body is dehydrated, blood tends to become thicker. Research published in the journal Stroke shows that dehydration increases blood viscosity, thereby increasing the risk of blood clot formation. This is a significant factor leading to stroke. After exercising, people should drink water in small sips and continue to replenish fluids for the next 1-2 hours.
Drinking alcohol after exercising
Some people tend to drink alcohol after going to the gym, especially during group workouts or on weekends. This can have many adverse effects on cardiovascular health.
Alcohol dilates blood vessels and alters blood pressure, while also causing greater dehydration due to its diuretic effect. When alcohol is consumed immediately after exercise, dehydration and blood pressure disturbances can become more pronounced.
Sauna or bath with water that is too hot
Saunas or hot baths are often seen as relaxing ways to unwind after a workout. However, doing so immediately after intense exercise can put extra strain on the heart and blood vessels.
High temperatures dilate blood vessels and cause the body to continue losing water through sweat. When combined with post-exercise dehydration, this can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, or a feeling of lightheadedness.
Experts recommend resting and drinking plenty of water beforehand, waiting about 15-30 minutes for the body to cool down before entering a sauna or taking a hot shower, according to Healthline.