EXERCISE EXCESS

Rhabdomyolysis - is the breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of muscle fiber content (myoglobin) into the bloodstream. Some of these are harmful to the kidney and frequently result in kidney damage.

How much is too much when it comes to exercise? Well, just like anything else, too much of a "good thing" isn't good for you.

I know many people who get addicted to exercise in the same way that they used to be fast food junkies. I know that your body feels amazing after each workout, so it's natural to think, "Wow, I don't want to do this three days a week - I'll do it seven days a week. No wait, I'll exercise twice a day, every day." This is commonly called overtraining and can be just as bad as not exercising at all.

How do you know if you're guilty of this practice? Well, be honest when you look at some of the symptoms that I list next. If any of them pertain to you, please turn down the intensity a notch, sit out a day, or slow down. Your body will thank you.

SIGNS OF OVERTRAINING:

- LOSS APPETITE. Overtraining can cause an increase in hormones such as epinephrine, which can inhibit appetite.

- EXERCISE FATIGUE. If you never give your body the proper rest, it will never recuperate - you'll keep tearing your muscles down without giving them a chance to rebuild, although they're desperate to do so.

- NORMAL WORKOUTS BECOME TOUGHER. If workouts that you used to do with no problem are becoming extremely demanding and strenuous, it's a sign of overtraining. Lack of proper rest will force your body to underperform, even during the most basic workout. If you could do 30 minutes on the treadmill with no problem two weeks ago, and now you can barely get through 15 without feeling like you're going to need a nap, then guess what? Your body needs a rest!

- MUSCLE SORENESS AND JOINT PAIN. If you keep working out over and over without proper rest, then your muscles and joints will break down and begin to ache. Don't ignore these signs, because they can lead to serious injury.

- INCREASED ILLNESS. When your body is overworked, your immune system breaks down, leaving you more susceptible to colds. If you keep getting sick, it might not be from the kid in your morning carpool. Ease up a bit on the working out and see what happens.

- MIND POWER. I know it is difficult to pull back at the gym when your enthusiasm gets the better of you, but you have to get your mindset under control if you want to really get in good shape. Too much exercise will not make you achieve results any faster; in fact, it could have the opposite effect. Remember, people who excessively exercise are risking more than poor performance - they're risking their health.

Train Hard, Train Natural, Keep it REAL!!!