You wake up early in the morning, determined to get in a great workout. You put on your workout clothes, lace up your sneakers, and head to the gym. As you start your first set of exercises, you notice something unexpected – you begin to yawn. It seems strange to feel the urge to yawn while pushing your body to its limits but yawning during exercise is not uncommon. So, if you're new to working out or are in the same boat as this, let's start by exploring why yawning occurs during workouts, how it affects your exercise routine, and how to overcome it.
Why Does Yawning Happen?
According to Karnal-based certified trainer Jayant Jawa, "Yawning is a natural reflex characterised by an involuntary deep inhalation of breath, often accompanied by stretching and opening the mouth wide." Why yawning happens during exercise is because of body temperature regulation, Jawa said. When you engage in physical activity, your body temperature rises due to increased metabolic activity. Yawning, along with other cooling mechanisms like sweating, helps to regulate body temperature by facilitating the exchange of warm air from the lungs with cooler ambient air, he added.
The Impact of Yawning on Your Workout
Yawning during exercise might seem harmless, but it can have implications for your workout routine. Firstly, yawning can be distracting and disrupt your focus and concentration. Secondly, when you're trying to push your limits and achieve your fitness goals, maintaining focus can be difficult. Finally, excessive yawning may divert your attention away from your workout, resulting in decreased performance and slow gains.
Also Read: Excessive Yawning: Know About Its Causes And Diagnosis
How to Overcome Yawning While Exercising
If you find yourself frequently yawning during your workouts and want to minimise its impact, here are a few strategies you can try:
1) Get Enough Rest
Yawning can be a sign of fatigue, so it's important to prioritise adequate rest and recovery. Jawa said that make sure you're getting enough sleep and allow your body ample time to recover between workouts. Incorporate rest days into your exercise routine to give your body a chance to relax, he added.
2) Spend Time Warming-up
Jawa stated that warm-up increases blood flow in the muscles, and helps you maintain focus. Spend a few minutes doing dynamic stretches and cardio exercises to raise your heart rate and get the blood flowing.
3) Improve Oxygenation
Yawning is believed to be linked to oxygen intake, so it's important to ensure proper breathing during exercise. "Focus on taking deeps as that will help optimise oxygenation and reduce the urge to yawn," Jawa advised.
4) Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to feelings of fatigue and yawning. Jawa advocated that make it a point to drink enough water before, during, and after your workouts. The best way is to drink at least a gallon of water during a workout.
Also Read: Not Cool With The Gym? 4 Reasons Why Swimming Should Be Your Go-To Workout This Summer
5) Following The Same Schedule
Yawning can sometimes be a result of boredom or mental fatigue. To combat this, vary your workout routine and include different exercises and activities to keep things interesting. "Perform exercises you enjoy and push yourself to try new workout styles or classes every new week to keep yourself fresh," Jawa concluded.
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided by a registered medical practitioner. However, we recommend you consult your healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.]
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