1. Blood Flow During Exercise
When exercise begins, blood is sent to the working
muscles
Less blood is therefore available to digest food in the
gut, which can cause cramps
The flow of blood from other areas into the muscle
is known as blood shunting.
This is why an exercise session should not start until
2/3 hours after the last meal

2. Redistribution of blood during exercise
Blood Shunting is where the blood is redistributed when we start to exercise
As we exercise, the destination of blood flow changes dramatically.
Blood flow can be diverted away from non-essential tissues and organs and directed to working muscles
During exercise muscles gain 80-90% of total blood flow
Destination
Rest
Maximal exercise
Muscle
20%
80%
Brain
15%
11%
Heart 5% 4%
Skin
10% 3%
Liver & Intestines
30% 1%
Kidneys

3. Explain Vasodilation…
Explain Vasoconstriction…

4. Therefore less blood is available to digest the food, so we must leave 2 hours after a large meal.
It could cause cramps if you do exercise after a meal.