Bizarre body side effects of exercise explained

Exercise has been proven as a key proponent in curing a number of health issues: anxiety, insomnia, back pain, hot flashes — you name it! But sometimes when you're working out, you may find that your body is responding in some unusual ways. Fitsugar.com rounded up some of the most bizarre side effects of exercise, telling you why your body reacts the way it does and how to prevent these strange side effects:

Runny nose
Does your nose to start to run when you run? If you experience a runny nose whenever you're really working it out, you could be suffering from exercise-induced rhinitis, and you're definitely not alone. According to Fitsugar.com, "For some people, working out can trigger allergic reaction symptoms such as congestion, sinus pain, runny nose, headaches, and itchy eyes." While pollen or cold weather could bring on your runny nose, it's also possible that exercise alone is the sole trigger, especially if you're pushing yourself to the max. To alleviate your symptoms, it may help to take an over-the-counter allergy medication an hour before you plan to workout.

Flushed face
After an intense sweat sesh, you may notice that your face is flushed, or maybe even an embarrassing shade of bright red! But rest assured, this bizarre side effect of exercise is no cause for alarm. Your red face is nothing more than an indication that you're working hard. "Your face turns bright red because warm, oxygenated blood rushes to the surface of your skin, which helps heat radiate off it to prevent you from overheating," writes Jenny Sugar.

Gotta 'go'
You know that moment 10 minutes into your run when you feel like you need abandon your route and to sprint to the nearest bathroom asap? Even if you made a trip to the bathroom pre-run, the rigorous up and down motions of running can irritate your intestines, making you feel like you've gotta 'go' again. According to WebMD's Gastroenterologist David Bjorkman, "Eating too soon before a workout, consuming caffeine or artificial sweeteners, and not getting enough fiber to keep you regular can cause this annoying feeling."

Uncontrollable shaking
If you're working your muscles to the max, you may feel your body trembling. Whether it happens when you're pushing yourself to hold a plank just a little longer or balancing on your butt in boat pose, don't worry it's normal! "The shaking is caused by your muscles grabbing and releasing one another as they lengthen and shorten," writes Sugar. This side effect is especially common when you target a new set of muscles that aren't used to the demands you're placing on them, but fortunately, as your muscles gradually become stronger, the trembling will eventually stop.

What's that itch?
You're a few minutes into your run and all the sudden an itchy sensation in your legs has you stopping in your tracks. What gives? According to Fitsugar.com, "As your heart rate increases and blood flows more quickly, millions of tiny capillaries and arteries in your muscles rapidly expand." The action sends messages to your brain and your brain interprets the sensation as an itch. If you're a fit person, your capillaries stay open to allow for maximum blood passage, so the only way to prevent this side effect is to regularly stick to your running routine.

Do any of these bizarre side effects happen to you? For the full list, check out Fitsugar.com.