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What is Exercise-Induced Hypoxemia? Understanding major causes

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What is Exercise-Induced Hypoxemia? Understanding major causes

Exercise-induced hypoxemia, sometimes referred to as exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia (EIAH), is a medical disorder in which physical exercise causes or results in a decline in arterial blood oxygen levels below normal. This behavior is especially noticeable while exercising vigorously or intensely.

The body needs more oxygen during activity to meet the higher energy needs of muscles and other tissues. The respiratory and circulatory systems of people who have exercise-induced hypoxemia may not effectively supply enough oxygen to the bloodstream or distribute it to the working muscles.

While many people may experience modest to moderate reductions in oxygen levels during intensive physical activity without substantial effects, exercise-induced hypoxemia is not always harmful in and of itself. When exercising, the body frequently has compensating mechanisms to adjust to the increased oxygen needs.


Common causes of exercise-induced hypoxemia

Hypoxemia can be a result of various causes. (Image via Unsplash/ Chander R)Advertisement

Cardiac output limitations: During activity, the heart might not pump enough blood to provide the body with enough oxygen. Heart failure and other cardiovascular disorders are examples of conditions that might restrict cardiac function.

Anatomical factors: The proper passage of blood or air may be impeded by structural problems or anomalies in the respiratory or circulatory systems. Lung conditions (such as interstitial lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and congenital cardiac abnormalities are two examples.

Altitude: Hypoxemia can be exacerbated by exercising at high altitudes where the oxygen content of the air is reduced. It becomes harder for the body to get enough oxygen while exercising at higher elevations because of a drop in the partial pressure of oxygen in the air.

Individual variation: Due to genetics or other personal traits, some people may be more vulnerable to exercise-induced hypoxemia. For instance, compared to inactive people, highly skilled athletes may undergo distinct physiological reactions after hard activity.

It’s important to understand that not everyone has exercise-induced hypoxemia and that the condition can vary in severity. It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare provider for a full assessment and suitable treatment if someone has severe or persistent symptoms during or after exercise, such as intense dyspnea, chest discomfort, or dizziness.

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How to manage exercise-induced hypoxemia

Proper hydration is necessary. (Image via Unsplash/ Rendy Novantino)Proper hydration is necessary. (Image via Unsplash/ Rendy Novantino)
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Stark warning against fitness trend loved by Molly-Mae’s sister &Molly Smith

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Stark warning against fitness trend loved by Molly-Mae’s sister &Molly Smith

A FITNESS trainer has warned against a viral exercise trend loved by stars including Molly-Mae Hague’s sister Zoe, saying it could lead to “physiological shock”.

The Hyrox craze – dubbed a “race for everybody” by organisers – has swept the globe since the competition was launched in Germany in 2017, with millions of people now taking part in over 30 countries, including the UK and China.

A fitness expert has warned against a popular exercise trend loved by stars including Love Island’s Molly SmithCredit: Instagram
Molly-Mae’s sister Zoe Hague also regularly takes part in the Hyrox competitionsCredit: Instagram
After a one kilometre run, participants are tasked with completing different “functional workouts” eight timesCredit: Instagram
Suzanne Shaw has also taken part in the worldwide Hyrox eventsCredit: Instagram

Competitors are tasked with running 1 kilometre, before hitting a functional workout station of various different exercises – which is repeated eight times.

“(Hyrox is) designed to accommodate all participants and 99 per cent of our athletes reach the finish line,” it reads on the Hyrox website.

Following the race, participants appear on a leaderboard, which are then added up ahead of a World Championship at the end of the season.

Videos of the competitions regularly appear on TikTok, with Zoe and other famous faces including ex Love Island star Molly Smith and 90s popstar Suzanne Shaw sharing their own experiences on social media.

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However, exercise pro and personal trainer Emma McCaffrey has warned against taking part in the competition if you’re a beginner, insisting it’s a “high-intensity competitive event” rather than a “starter programme”.

“Jumping from the sofa to a one km run and a functional station circuit repeated eight times is a massive physiological shock,” she told the Daily Mail.

Emma added that the loud music, “high-octane environment” and “influencer pressure to perform” often leads to beginners ignoring their body’s natural signals to stop.

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“As we’ve seen with cases of heart stress and panic attacks, ‘powering through’ can have serious, even fatal, consequences when the cardiovascular system isn’t conditioned for that level of load,” she said.

Meanwhile, weight loss coach Rachael Sacerdoti called it a “recipe for burnout and injury”.

She added that people “suddenly exposing” their bodies to “high-force, high-velocity training” without the proper preparation and conditioning can lead to injuries – with problems in achilles, patella and rotator cuff among the most common.

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“When you’re exhausted, your form breaks down, and that’s when injuries happen,” she warned.

“Most beginners don’t have the strength, technique or movement patterns to maintain good form under that level of fatigue.”

Among those who have suffered following a Hyrox event include fitness fan Ashley Whelan, who had a heart attack after his first-ever Hyrox event.

The 37-year-old had trained for months before the competition and, while he didn’t feel 100% on the day itself, he thought it was just “race day nerves”.

However, after he completed his last lap, his heart rate shot up to a whopping 220 beats per minute.

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And once he’d finished the event, he started to experience pain in his chest, arm and back – with on-site paramedics quickly completing an ECG test which showed he was in the middle of a heart attack.

What your trainer choice says about you…

Deputy Fashion Editor, Abby McHale, says “the ‘in’ trainers to be seen in can move as quickly as the next big fashion trend”.

Adidas = fashion ‘sheep’

Adidas has taken over as the top ‘it’ trainer brand of the past few years and they don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. 

Starting strong with the Sambas, a trainer which this year will have been around for 75 years, the trainer style became so popular that videos were going viral last year showing a multitude of people wearing them on the same train.

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Skechers = boring

The American brand has been around on the footwear market for the best part of three decades, but has never been seen as the trendiest of trainers. No matter what celebrity has been promoting the product the brand still does come with a certain stigma.

Practicality is at the heart, cushioned soles, easy to slip on and breathable, they come with a lot of functions for those who think comfort is key. 

Vans = living in the past

Originally made as a skateboarding brand, it went mainstream in the 2000s with its classic black and white checker board trainers that were deemed the height of cool. 

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Whilst they were never the style of trainers worn to the likes of the gym, they were great worn with the likes of jeans, trousers and dresses for the skater girls. However these days they’ve fallen slightly off the radar, which means if you’re still wearing them you live in the past.

Hoka = fitness fanatic

A trainer brand specialising solely in running shoes the brand was launched in 2009 and has become a staple in runners wardrobes all across the world. 

Consistently voted as some of the best running shoes you can buy, they have trainers categorised depending on what kind of exercise you are doing, from road running to hiking and even recovery trainers.

And while they may be great when it comes to exercise, that is where they should stay.

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Nike = millennial

A long standing competition with Adidas, Nike has also been one of the market leaders when it comes to trainers, with the Air Force 1’s being the brands best selling shoe of all time.

They may have been the in shoe back in 2018, but they’re not in 2025, meaning if you still rock a pair you want to keep to a trend but aren’t a stickler, you know a good made trainer when you see one and love the cleanliness the all white style brings. 

Veja = tight

The French footwear brand has been around since 2005 but only gained major popularity a few years ago. 

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They have been seen on every celebrity going, even royalty hopped on board the trend with both the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex seen out in a pair.

However, the buzz around these has now died down and the fashion crowd have moved onto their next pair of trainers. Meaning that those left wearing Veja’s are the kind of people who get their wear out of everything until it falls apart.  

He was rushed to hospital, and was found to have a left coronary artery blockage, for which doctors had to shock him with a defibrillator to try and get his heart to beat regularly again.

Ashley has since made a full recovery, but is now warning others to listen to their bodies while taking part in events such as Hyrox.

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“It’s still up in the air as to why I got this clot but when I’ve looked into it, deep emotional stress and high-intensity exercise can cause it,” he said.

He said he credits the “strength of” his mind and body to get him through the terrifying health scare, and knows he is “so lucky to be alive”.

“I’m living proof that it can happen to ultra-fit people as well,” he added.

“It’s a case of listening to your body.”

Hyrox has been contacted for comment.

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Trainer warns against fitness trend loved by Molly-Mae’s sister & Suzanne Shaw as it could cause ‘physiological shock’Credit: Instagram
Zoe trains regularly to ensure she’s prepared for the events, but the trainer insisted Hyrox can potentially be dangerous for beginnersCredit: Instagram
While Hyrox is dubbed a “race for everybody” by organisers, it can lead to “physiological shock” in some extreme cases – the trainer warnedCredit: Instagram

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6 Best Home Gym Essentials to Achieve Your Fitness Goals, According to a Physical Therapist

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6 Best Home Gym Essentials to Achieve Your Fitness Goals, According to a Physical Therapist

Achieving your fitness goals doesn’t require a monthly gym membership. From the comfort of your home, you can implement a few minutes of daily exercise with just the right equipment.

To help jumpstart your New Year’s goals, physical therapist Karena Wu recently revealed to the 3rd hour of TODAY some ways you can build a gym right at home. Whether you’re into high-intensity workouts or improving strength training, these budget-friendly picks can transform your living room into your own personalized fitness space.

Ready to lace up your sneakers? Keep reading to discover the best workout essentials to achieve your at-home fitness goals, according to an expert.

Best home gym essentials seen on TODAY

This multi-purpose training disc offers stability during workouts, helps engage the core, and provides other benefits in a portable design that makes exercise feasible wherever you go. “It can also be used as a seat cushion to help with posture and balance,” adds Wu.

From warming up to activating your muscles, resistance bands are a fitness essential every home gym should have. The pick above comes in various resistance intensities to suit every skill level.

“This is a smart jump rope with an app to track your jump counts, calorie and duration,” explains Wu. “The donuts add weight to make it feel like a real rope, but it is cordless, so it doesn’t scratch the ground. It is great for beginners and for in the home, so you don’t scratch your floor or hit the ceiling.”

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“Kettlebells are great for adding weight and instability to challenge your core,” suggests Wu. This collection of kettlebells is each color-coded to easily distinguish each weight while you work out. Though each weight is sold separately, the kettlebells start at just under $15 to help kickstart your training.

“Sliding core discs are great for adding strengthening, dynamic movements and stability training,” suggests Wu. This set comes double-sided, so regardless of your home flooring, you can perform mountain climbers or push-ups anywhere in your home.

From relieving muscle tightness to soothing muscle soreness post-workout, this tiny but mighty massage ball offers direct pressure on points. “This is a smaller ball, so it is meant for the hands and feet, but you could still use them elsewhere on the body,” notes Wu. “These are great to travel with, and don’t take up much space.”

More home gym essentials to shop

If your goal is to achieve 10,000 steps a day, a walking pad is a practical way to get your steps in. Enjoy a quick five-minute workout while watching your favorite show or use the machine to keep your legs moving while working from home.

You don’t have to book a reformer class to take advantage of the benefits of pilates. With a pilates ball, including this option from Bala, it helps offer strength and support to build your core and beyond.

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On the topic of pilates, support every movement and prevent slips with these Bombas grippy socks. They also deliver arch support, a comfortable cushion, among other perks, for a better workout.

According to the brand, the WeGym SafeGrip Square Dumbbells are designed to feel more secure in your hands compared to metal dumbbells for a comfortable grip with every lift.

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Use a foam roller to assist with recovery and prevent injury after an intense workout or strength training session.

We’re constantly browsing Lululemon’s sale section. So while we’re building our home gym, might as well build our fitness wardrobe, too, like the tank above, as we scroll.

One Shop TODAY editor calls the New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 one of her “favorite everyday running shoes” in her recent round-up of the ‘best sneakers of 2025.’ From its breathable mesh to its supportive insole, there’s a lot to love about the shoe.

From yoga to pilates, this exercise mat can assist with stability and balance during your workout.

Weighted vests were a trending topic in 2025, and we don’t see them leaving in the new year. Whether you wear one on your runs or completing chores, weighted vests add a bit of intensity to any movement and workout.

A pilates ring delivers more than meets the eye. Use it to strengthen the core, help tone your arms, among other benefits.

This new launch is made with the brand’s softest fabric yet, and a good pair of tights can upgrade any at-home workout. “These leggings have a second-skin feel and no front seams for extra comfort,” says commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto. “The waistband doesn’t roll or bunch during workouts, and the stretchy and flexible fabric make them super comfortable — they’re my new go-to leggings!”

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The ultimate splurge, this at-home rowing machine is worth it for those that want a full-body workout that engages more than 86% of the body’s muscles during use. It also provides immersive, on the water workouts led by expert athletes and olympians, along with personalized recommendations in order to help users get the most out of their at-home workout.

Meet the expert

Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Karena Wu, to find the best fitness essentials to build a home gym.

  • Karena Wu is a physical therapist and the owner and Clinical Director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy.

How we chose

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.

How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?

Google’s new Preferred Sources feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you’ve opted to receive our content, you’ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.

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The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here and type in “TODAY.com.” Once the box is checked and you’ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.

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Not Crunches Or Planks – Surprisingly, Experts Recommend This Underrated Exercise For Ultimate Lower Body Strength

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Not Crunches Or Planks – Surprisingly, Experts Recommend This Underrated Exercise For Ultimate Lower Body Strength

We’re only halfway through January (officially the longest month of the entire year), and it’s already clear that 2026 is, much like its predecessor, all about strength training.

There is, however, a clear difference: we’re moving away from high-intensity, fast workouts and towards slower, more intentional moves that might be low-impact, but still pack a punch, benefits-wise. The best news? The moves are super simple – and the experts’ favourite one is the (appropriately monikered) crab walk exercise.

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