Do you find workouts a headache? Up to 35 per cent of people who exercise regularly suffer a throbbing head during or after physical activity, research indicates. In a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, runners reported the highest incidence, followed closely by those who lifted weights at the gym. But sports as diverse as swimming, aerobics and cycling also induced head pain.

Dehydration or low blood-sugar (from eating too little carbohydrate prior to a gym session) can be causes. However, experts have identified two main types of workout headache suffered by those for whom it is a persistent problem. Activities that place a lot of strain on the body (such as weightlifting) can affect blood pressure and cerebral blood flow, triggering an “exertional headache”. This causes pulsating pain and can last from five minutes to 48 hours. With aerobic activity (running, cycling), “effort-induced migraines” are more common. They can be one-sided and often last for a few hours.

If the headaches are recurrent or debilitating, see your doctor in case they are a symptom of something serious, particularly if you experience neck stiffness or blurred vision. You may simply be prescribed painkillers prior to a workout. Performing the following simple yoga posture when you finish may also help to relieve the throbbing.

Stand with feet together. Breathe in deeply and, as you exhale, drop your body forward by bending your knees and dropping your chest down to meet them. Keep your head and neck relaxed and allow your arms to hang loosely so your hands rest on the floor, palms upwards. Hold for 30 seconds, breathing deeply and slowly.

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Breathe in and uncoil body from the knees, keeping head and arms forward.

When you are upright, drop your shoulders and push them back to open out the chest. Push hips forward and shift your weight to your heels. Drop your head as far back as you can. Hold this position for five seconds, breathing normally. Lift up your head and return to the starting position. Repeat five times.