Is it normal.... (probably a stupid question)

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  • This may sound really obvious, but watch your breathing during your exercise, cool down, and when you step off. Too often when we are exercising we forget to breathe, hold our breath, or breath inefficiently or unevenly. This can reduce oxygen to the brain, causing dizziness.

    When you work out, are you breathing rapidly through your mouth? Try taking slower breaths through your nose. Make your inhalations equal to your exhalations. Slow your cool down to the point where you can do that effortlessly, even if you are walking 1 mph. Then step off and continue to walk around, focusing on nostril breathing.

    Just an idea- good luck!
  • Add me to the list of those who get off kilter when stepping off any and all cardio equipment, with the exception of the spin bike. It may be because we do a routine cool down including stretching before stepping off. But when I ride 26 miles outdoors on a bike, I still get that sea-leg feeling when getting off. I don't worry about it, but I do make sure I get at least 2 minutes of a cool down before stepping off. I also make sure I have my legs back before going down the stairs! I have almost fallen before.

    I figure as long as I do not ever feel like this while working out, I'm fine. I think my body just doesn't transition well. It also doesn't last long at all, like maybe 20-30 seconds. Generally by the time I've wiped down the equipment I'm good to go down the stairs.
  • Hey...I have the same issue whenever I get off a treadmill or elliptical...I don't know if its because I'm focusing on the tv or what the deal is but I get it everytime...and I am in no way over exerting myself...If I run outside I don't get this...for me I think it is more motion sickness from the bobbing up and down and focusing on a non moving target...such as the tv...but it doesn't bother me to the point of not exercising
  • I paid close attention to how I was feeling on Sunday, and it is definitely an equilibrium problem and not light headedness. I feel fine - good, actually - throughout my walk on the treadmill, and my breathing is fine. Just before I stop the treadmill (after my cool-down) I'm breathing normally and feel perfectly fine - it's just when I actually stop the machine that I feel off. It's very much what several of you describe - like the ground under me is still moving but my body has stopped, or vice versa. I'm glad to know it's not just me, and that it's not anything to worry about! Last night, after stopping the treadmill I stayed on it for an extra 30 seconds or so, putting the iphone away, etc. I think the extra recovery helped - I didn't feel so much like I was going to fall over when I stepped back down onto the floor. Apparently I just need to take my time instead of darting out of there like I'm trying to avoid being seen.

    Thanks again for all your feedback!!