Body Blog: Gymin’ It Too Much?

Who would’ve thought that being a gym bunny could be bad for your health? Sure, it takes a lot of time to work out too much, and you probably don’t have any time, but it is possible that those daily workouts are a bit too much for your body. Overexerting yourself can be easier than you think.

Most athletes, whether recreational or competitive, believe that running just a little longer or lifting weights just a little heavier during the next workout will be most beneficial to their bodies and, in most of our heads, best for our jean size. Working out daily isn’t the problem, nor is it normally bad for you, but working out too hard daily is when your body cries for help.

If you’ve been pushing your heart rate to the max over the last couple of weeks, you’re doing your body more harm than good. Even & non-athletes can overtrain. The earliest symptom of this condition is fatigue, and in later stages, you may feel tension, irritability, decreased appetite, sleep problems and menstrual irregularities.

To prevent and treat overtraining, listen to your body. If you feel tired rather than more energized during or after a workout, don’t exercise harder to compensate. Instead, incorporate lighter exercise or rest into your weekly routine. Make sure your diet is balanced and you get enough sleep (we know, easier said than done) so you can prevent this condition even when you’re not at the gym.

In order to get results from exercise, pushing yourself is key. But extreme exertion is more detrimental than beneficial. So the next time you’re tired after your normal thirty minute elliptical session or third rep of squats, give your body a break.

It’s trying to tell you something, so listen up.