Fitness expert warns against sitting right after running, says ‘you might faint’

Imagine running for a mile, clinging on to dear life and then being told that you can’t sit down. Why? Oh, because it’s not good for your health. If sitting is out of the options – you catch yourself breathless and scratching your head as to what to do next, we’ve got you covered.

Indianexpress.com spoke to Dr Dharmesh Shah, Founder & Director of Holistica World, to understand how sitting right after a sprint can cause unreasonable damage to your body.

“Sitting down immediately after running isn’t recommended because your body needs a gradual transition from high-intensity exercise to a resting state. This helps normalize your heart rate and blood circulation. If you stop suddenly, your body might struggle to adjust, which can lead to feelings of dizziness or even fainting,” said Shah.

He explained that when you sit down right after running, your muscles stop contracting, which slows down the return of blood to your heart.

“This can cause blood to pool in your legs, leading to reduced circulation and potentially causing lightheadedness or dizziness. It slows the removal of metabolic waste products from your muscles, which can delay your recovery process,” he added.

According to him, varicose veins are caused by poor blood flow and increased pressure in the veins.

“When you sit down immediately after exercise, the pooling of blood in your legs can increase pressure on the veins, potentially worsening the appearance and discomfort associated with varicose veins,” said Shah.

When you sit down right after running, your muscles stop contracting, which slows down the return of blood to your heart. (Source: Freepik)

So, what can people do instead?

Instead of sitting down, he suggested that it is beneficial to engage in a cool-down routine.

Dr Shah recommended spending about 5-10 minutes walking at a moderate pace. This helps maintain blood flow and aids in gradually lowering your heart rate.

“Follow up with gentle stretching exercises for your major muscle groups. This helps prevent muscle stiffness and promotes flexibility. Also, don’t forget to drink water or an electrolyte drink to rehydrate your body and replace fluids lost through sweat,” he said.

What to keep in mind after a running session?

After a running session, he said that it’s essential to take steps that aid recovery and ensure your body transitions smoothly from the exercise.

Hydration: Ensure you drink plenty of water or an electrolyte beverage to rehydrate. This is crucial as running leads to significant fluid loss through sweat.

Cool Down: Always include a cool-down period of light walking and stretching. This helps your heart rate and blood pressure gradually return to normal levels.

Nutrition: Eat a balanced snack or meal that includes both carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes to an hour after your run. This aids in muscle recovery and replenishes glycogen stores.

Rest and Recovery: Give your body time to recover. This means adequate sleep and, if necessary, taking rest days between intense workouts.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.