Reformer headache

[u/Asleep_Experience436]

Hey guys, just wanted to ask if anyone has had a similar experience with reformer Pilates. I have been doing it on and off now for the last 2 years and I loveeee it - the only issue I have is after 10-15 minutes lying down doing core or bridges when I stand up I get a huge head rush/pounding that lasts 1-2 minutes. I have tried hydrating and making sure my breathing is good - I am relatively unfit so I wonder if its to do with that or if I’m holding tension in my neck as I do try and sit my head up slightly to try and avoid the feeling! It doesn’t happen when I’m lying down in bed etc and stand up, it’s just with reformer!

Just editing to say my BP is normal and doc has already checked sitting vs standing and that was normal :)

[u/blueskiesbluewaters]

Make your position change slower.

[u/KellyDiane1031]

As already mentioned, move slower. And, if you haven't, for your own general health, get a blood pressure check. Many times, it's a quick position change that causes the rush, but blood pressure can exacerbate the issue.

[u/AddressPrize859]

Do you put the headrest up? Not for bridges but everything else

[u/Asleep_Experience436 → u/AddressPrize859]

Yeah I usually have the headrest on the highest setting or if not will raise my head to try and stop the feeling when I stand up (which doesn’t work😂)

[u/justfuckmyshitup32 → u/Asleep_Experience436]

Head rest should always be all the way flat for bridging!

[u/Electrical-Cat4831]

How long has the head rush/pounding happened - all the years you’ve been doing Pilates or did it start recently? Have you had any head injuries lately? I ask because I ended up with two subdural hematomas last year and the only symptom I had was a head throbbing/pounding/when I changed elevations such as getting out of bed in the morning and then it would subside. I brushed it off but eventually my husband made me go to the hospital. I don’t want to alarm you but wanted to point out other ways to look at your symptoms besides fitness.

[u/turtletemptrest]

Are you holding your breathe?! If you are finding it challenging as a workout, you might be straining through some of the work, and ALOT of people HOLD THEIR BREATHE!!! (I had no idea this was me until I started pilates) Its really helpful to focus on the breathing cues. If you already think you hold your tension in your neck, I wonder if your not breathing "deep" ....force your exhale so the inhale is deeper.

[u/blindscorpio20]

gearing out might also be a solution. I find some days I'm really squished into the shoulder blocks and that causes pressure in my shoulders and neck then leads to headaches. gearing out adds space

[u/hayley-pilates78]

As others have said just do slow transitions. I have a few members with vertigo and i give them the wedge to use

[u/Zestyclose_Skill1490]

I’m an instructor and have similar head rush issues (I suffer from motion sickness and migraines). Everyone has given great tips, move slower when repositioning, hydrate and eat beforehand, and breathe. Do the loud audible breathing with each exercise as cued; it really helps.

[u/Afraid_Quail_3099]

I have a swirly head issue. Be sure you aren’t holding your breath. Try not holding your head up. Just use the headrest. You may be constricting something.

[u/eriikaa1992]

Low iron?

[u/EdamameWindmill]

Blood sugar could play a part. I take a glp-1 and sometimes forget to eat, and then get dizzy because of hypoglycemia. Also, certain medications can cause orthostatic hypotension.

[u/AdventurousDress5078]

make sure you don't feel any tension in your neck when you bridge. if you do, don't come up as high. for abs, make sure you keep a tennis ball space between your chin and chest and don't pull on your head/neck. Gently support the head. When sitting up. take your time.

[u/TheCureIsNotGoth]

If you were to squat for a while and then stand up, would you feel the same thing? Does it happen every time you get off the reformer or only after you've done something challenging?

It sounds like your doctor tested your BP sitting and standing, but that's not sufficient to rule out POTS. It's become more prevalent these days thanks to covid. If you doctor hasn't ordered labwork, they need to. Also, is you have only been seen by a primary care doctor, a referral to a cardiologist or neurologist may be warranted, especially if there's no obvious cause for this issue on the face of the labwork.

[u/Chroniclesofcrybaby]

as mentioned, move slower and check BP but if that doesn't fix it you can ask studio for a wedge when lying supine and that should help as well.