Too Much of a Good Thing? When Exercise Becomes Excess

   By drodriguez  Jun 12, 2012
4

Getting fit and healthy is always a good thing, but when people take their exercise regimens too far they are putting their health and well being at risk. For some people, working out can become a dangerous addiction that can lead to injury and exhaustion.

The Chicago Tribune recently reported about the harm people can do to their bodies when they get caught up in an exercise addiction. Symptoms like irritability, physical injury, high heart beat while resting, and fever are just a few of the side effects a person can have if they take their workout too far at the gym.

Exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise, Jessica Matthews, explains how over working your body during exercise can have a negative impact on your health. Matthews says, “There are so many benefits to exercise, but if they're exercising excessively even the greatest benefits, like positive mood and better sleep, start to fall away.”

It’s not always the exercise addicts that have to deal with health risks due to working out too much. Many exercise instructors will teach upwards of 30 classes a week and can pay the price if they’re not careful.

What do you think of the idea that too much working out can be bad for your health?

Have you ever felt the need to curb your workouts when you’re overdoing it?
 

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Annaflower by Annaflower | MELBOURNE, FL
Jun 25, 2012

I use to have this problem also. I would walk all the time. Count the calories to make sure I was walking off what I would eat. Now I don't do that anymore wish I could get the motivation back to do at least some exercise.

basilandcatnip by basilandcatnip | GARLAND, TX
Jun 15, 2012

I did in my 20's, it was 2 hours of exercise plus walking at least 10 miles a day. It was for work and college athletics but my dr reminded me to keep it in check. You have to give the body time and right foods to rebuild itself.

divadurga by divadurga | Sierra Madre, CA
Jun 13, 2012

I wish I had this problem!!!

cocoabella by cocoabella | EL PASO, TX
Jun 13, 2012

I have a hard time getting my work outs done, don't have to worry about becoming an exercise 'junkie'. lol But that is just me. I exercise for my RSD/FMS plus it improves my health and each session is painful for me. It take lots of mind over body just to get through a session. I am not about to go overboard b/c my body won't allow it.