Do you feel shaky after a workout? Don’t ignore it as it can be a bad sign for your muscles; check the key reasons behind tremors and how to overcome it

There is are high chances that people who undertake a rigorous workout may feel shaky or puffy after exercise. It is a common thing with beginners, but it is always crucial for people to know how long it can be a cause of concern and when it requires attention. In many cases, shaking after exercise might indicate a more serious problem. This can certainly be a case if the tremors continue long after a workout.

What can cause shaking after a workout?

Shaking after a workout can be possible due to several reasons which require people to pay attention to their habits. They should track their activities pre and post workout. Doing this may help them identify the root cause behind your post-exercise tremors.

Here are common causes behind shaking after work out

Muscle fatigue

One of the common reasons for tremors is muscle fatigue. Whenever someone undertakes physical activity, the central nervous system (CNS) fires motor units to contract muscles. A motor unit consists of a motor neuron and muscle fibers.

The firing of motor units provides force for your muscles. The longer the duration ofd the workout, the more these signals slow down and lose intensity. These changes can make your muscles rapidly alternate between contractions and relaxations which can lead to tremors. The Central Nervous System can also lose its ability to forcefully move muscles leading to fatigue.

Other signs of muscle fatigue: Weakness, soreness, low energy levels. Muscle fatigue usually means that the muscles have been worked up to their maximum capacity and this happens when a person takes on the challenge of a tougher workout. It is advisable to reduce the intensity of exercise if needed

Holding a muscle in one position

Whenever a person holds one position for a longer period of time, they can end up feeling shaky. This often happens while doing planks or a barre workout. This happens because of motor units. These units come into play during powerful movements. Now holding a muscle in one place naturally requires more strength and that comes from motor units. This can result in shaking. Besides plank, this may also happen when a person lifts and holds a heavy dumbbell.

Low blood sugar

Glucose is the fuel for our body and also for the muscles and workout often reduces the glucose levels. Following a vigorous workout over a long period of time, glucose levels can become depleted. This can lead to low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia.

If the amount of fuel is less, muscles may begin to shake and the person can experience: fatigue, hunger, headache, dizziness, confusion, irritability, weakness, fast heartbeat

Dehydration

When a person does intense exercise, they tend to sweat a lot leading to loss of water. This makes staying hydrated important so that electrolyte levels can be kept in check. Electrolytes control the function of nerves and muscles. Other symptoms of dehydration can include: fatigue, thirst, dark urine, reduced urination, headache, dizziness and weakness.

Here’s how you can avoid muscle shaking after workout

• Increase intensity of your workout gradually and slowlu
• Eat a pre-workout meal and give fuel to your body. Consume a pre-workout meal 2 to 3 hours before your workout.
• Limit or avoid caffeine.
• Warm up and cool down.
• Prepare a post-workout meal in advance.
• Hydrate before, during, and after exercise
• Drinking fluids throughout the day can help reduce your risk of dehydration.
• Increase your fluid intake if you exercise outdoors in hot weather, or if you do a strenuous workout.

The article is for general information or educational purposes only, and is not a medical advice. Please consult your doctor as this is not a substitute for professional help.