Blood Pressure & Body Temperature Changes After Exercise: What to Expect

Blood Pressure:

Immediately after an intensive one-hour workout, your systolic blood pressure (the top number) may temporarily increase by 10 to 20 mmHg. This happens because exercise causes your heart rate and the force of your heart's contractions to increase, putting more pressure on your blood vessel walls. However, within a few minutes to an hour after exercise, your blood pressure typically returns to normal or even becomes slightly lower than before the workout. Regular exercise over time can help lower your resting blood pressure and improve your overall heart health.

Body Temperature:

During a one-hour workout, your body's metabolism and muscle activity increase significantly, generating heat. This causes your body temperature to rise. The exact increase in body temperature varies from person to person and depends on the intensity and duration of the workout, as well as environmental factors such as the ambient temperature. Generally, your body temperature may increase by a few degrees Fahrenheit during exercise. After you stop exercising, your body's cooling mechanisms such as sweating and increased blood flow to the skin help bring your temperature back to normal within about 30 minutes to an hour.