Tell me more ×
Physical Fitness Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for physical fitness professionals, athletes, trainers, and those providing health-related needs. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

After I do Zumba, I wait 'til I quit sweating (I sweat more than anyone in class, always have sweated profusely when exercising or in the summer heat), theni I shower and dress. Later, anywhere from a half hour to two hours, I get chilled. My hands and feet get numb. What can I do to prevent this?

share|improve this question
Does this happen during the winter months? How long do you stay numb? – Ryan Miller Jan 21 '12 at 18:40
What's the room temperature at these times and how are you dressed? – Chelonian Jan 22 '12 at 4:43
I thought I was the only one who experienced chills after a Zumba class! About an hour or so later, my body gets "cold" similar to when you get into bed in cold sheets and you have to wait until your body adjusts....unfortunately, my classes are at night so my symptoms are when I go to sleep..it's so annoying,, – user3632 Jun 6 '12 at 15:08

3 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

As far as I know, this should should never be happening under normal circumstances. Therefore I suggest you go, see a doctor about this.

In my 18 years of hard-as-hell dancing I have never experienced something like this.

share|improve this answer
I assumed this wasn't normal, & it hasn't always happened. I'm a little older than you, though (like 40 yes older). Thanks for your input. – RAM Jan 22 '12 at 15:15
up vote 1 down vote

I agree with @Janis about consulting your doctor. Numbness and tingling after exercise is something your doctor should diagnose.

Livestrong.com has a couple of articles summarizing possible causes of numbness and/or tingling after exercise. In this article about hand and foot numbness:

According to reports in Medical News Today, many people exercise without replenishing the body of necessary electrolytes that carry potassium and sodium and that serve to regulate the nerves and muscles. The loss of potassium and sodium that results from sweating during exercise can cause numbness and tingling in the extremities.

Given that you sweat profusely, that is a likely cause of your numbness. Good sources of potassium are bananas and vegetables. The World's Healthiest Foods has a complete list. Sodium is salt. So your answer may be as simple as replenishing your electrolytes with food or drink.

As to why you sweat excessively, there are lots of causes of profuse sweating. Some causes are perfectly normal and may be genetic. Here is a long list of some possible causes that are associated with medical conditions.

share|improve this answer
Useful info. Will try more NA & K before, during & after exercising. I think profuse sweating is genetic; it's been a lifelong condition. Thx for your input & good info. – RAM Jan 22 '12 at 15:21
up vote 0 down vote

As others have suggested this may be linked to potassium levels and you would do well to discuss this with a doctor.

The symptoms you described immediately reminded me of hypokalemia, or low potassium levels:

1) "Tingling sensations in the hands and feet may also be a sign of hypokalemia and signify a weakening of the nervous system."

2) "...excessive sweating from playing sports or exercise can lead to a drop in potassium levels and feelings of fatigue."

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.