Low BP & Fast Heart Rate During Circuit Training

I'm 35 years old, and I'm in fantastic shape. For over a decade I've done lots of cardio and weight training, but I've never combined the two into circuit training: that is, weight training with no real rest between sets. For example: I'll do my sets of bench press, move immediately into push-ups, then back to bench. After I do this small "circuit" I rest for about 3 minutes before moving on.

This is a VERY COMMON type of training - people do it at the gym every day, and a zillion magazines recommend it. SO, here's the problem ---

When I do this type of exercise, my blood pressure DROPS to (last night) 70/40, or sometimes slightly lower. I get very sick to my stomach, extremely lightheaded, drymouth, and, honestly, I can't see very well. This lasts for about 20-30 minutes. My trainer and I have consistently checked my BP when these symptoms hit me, and my BP has consistently been very low.

BUT - I can do very rigorous cardiovascular exercise (bike, run, swim) without any of these symptoms appearing. I just can't combine cardio and weights through a circuit workout.

I do lots of cardio every week, so I don't think it an issue of a "weak" or "unconditioned" heart. And my resting heartrate and normal heartrate are both better than average.

AND I can do very heavy weightlifting workouts, as long as I give myself rest between sets (3-4 minutes, which is the absolute max resting time you should take if you're weight training).

But isn't it strange that I can't circuit train? Circuit training is a staple for weightlifters, so it's terrible I can't do this. But, if I can't, then, well, I guess I just can't.

Would there be a reason why my BP drops so incredible low when I circuit train? It doesn't happen to anyone else....

Jmartine, welcome to the forum I hope you will like it here.

Honestly speaking? I think it is rather 'weird'. How can this happen? I am afraid I cannot answer you on this one. It sounds like a total mystery to me. I doubt anyone would know why this is happening exactly and only when you circuit train. Have you told your doctor?

Hello,
I have hypoglycemia so I know how you feel. What I do is make sure I have a snack with adequate carbs and protein before workout, then I have to have a meal after workout. Usually low carb makes me sick so I will have atleast 30 grams of carb and atleast 20 grams of protein after a workout. I think its harder to do higher intensity like circuit because it really depletes your glucose stores. Just a suggestion if you still want the health benefits of a good circuit workout.