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But come your 7 a.m. wakeup call, you have a nagging headache that you just cant kick.
Doctors and researchers dont fully understand headaches, which is why its hard to give definite advice.
What works for one person will not always work for another.
staff neurologist for theHeadache and Facial Pain Centerin theCenter for Neurological Restorationat theCleveland Clinic Neurological Institute
In some cases, its best to skip it, but getting moving can actuallyhelpyour headache in other situations.
Having a headache doesnt necessarily mean you should probably skip your workout, Dr. Pontinen says.
When in doubt, always speak to your doctor for insight on your unique situation.
Thomas Pontinen, MD
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Sometimes, they can also involve the neck.
A common culprit is working at your gear or staying in any other stationary position for too long.
Doing exercise consistently can also prevent tension-punch in headaches.
In this case, starting slowly and working up to an acceptable intensity is key.
Light aerobic exercise like yoga may also prevent your migraine in the first place.
staff neurologist for theHeadache and Facial Pain Centerin theCenter for Neurological Restorationat theCleveland Clinic Neurological Institute
However, pay close attention to your symptoms.
Go slow and see if your migraine responds as you work through your exercise.
Dehydration headache
This may show up as either a migraine or tension-throw in headache.
Becoming dehydrated has been linked to provoking migraine and worsening migraine symptoms, Dr. Mays says.
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Up your fluids first and take it easy when you do start working out.
Fatigue headache
Like a dehydration headache, a fatigue headache can present as a migraine or tension-key in headache.
This can occur due to lack of sleep or physical exhaustion, Dr. Mays says.
You may be particularly at-risk during times of stress.
In other words, you may find exercising regularly actually helps if you are prone to fatigue headaches.
But its crucial to listen to your body.
And of course, always take a stab at fit balanced meals into your diet.
When in doubt, keep it limited to light cardio or something like yoga, Dr. Pontinen says.
Stay hydrated
Its not just about drinking H20 before your workout topreventa headache.
You also need to stay hydrated throughout and after your workout.
Many sports drinks contain electrolytes, which you tend to lose when you sweat a lot or are dehydrated.
When youre dehydrated, you cant just drink something and get going.
No matter what your age, take precautions like avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Overhead pressescommonly trigger headaches, as those individual neck muscles are often weak, Dr. Mays says.
If this happens, focus on core strengthening first.
That boosted circulation and endorphins release can directly help relieve tension headaches and some migraines.
If you feel better, try some lightresistance trainingand see how things go.
If you feel good, consider a normal workout, but avoid pushing yourself too hard.
If you find that exercisealwaystriggers a headache, talk to a physician to explore potential underlying causes.
Your doctor may conduct tests like imaging of the brain or spine to rule out structural causes.
Massaging your neck or temples and using a topical cooling spray or gel with menthol can also help.
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Yoga intervention on blood NO in female migraineurs.
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