Can Too Much Exercise Be Bad For Health?

The symptoms of over exercising differ from individual to individual, depending on age, gender and physical health. Here is a list of the most common symptoms that may suggest you have crossed your workout limit

According to CDC, adults should in general, get around 5 hours a week of moderate exercise or 2-and-a-half hours of intense physical activity, or a combination of both. Research shows that going way above and beyond can put you at various health risks as listed. 

Extreme, long-term endurance exercise puts equally extreme demands on the cardiovascular system. The �Mayo Clinic Proceedings� study revealed that fitness enthusiasts who exercise well above the recommended hours may actually be at higher risks of early heart disease due to coronary artery calcification (CAC): a build-up of calcium in the artery walls of the heart that makes arteries less flexible.

Your gut is the centre of health for your entire body, and the lining of the gastrointestinal tract acts as a vital filter between our bodies and outside elements. A research from the Australian sports journal �Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics�, shows that intense physiological stress on the body such as lifting weights regularly, can trigger Leaky Gut Syndrome � a condition in which the gut lining weakens, resulting in the passage of germs and toxins into the bloodstream. This can lead to multiple sclerosis (MS), chronic fatigue, and many other illnesses.  

In absence of consuming supplements like calcium or vitamin D, and with excessive exercising, your bones can become brittle, joints get sore and your cartilage weakens because of increased cortisol � a hormone released during periods of physical stress that triggers protein breakdown in muscles and inhibits bone-building. Women who naturally face calcium deficiency with age, are at greater risks of developing early on-set of osteoporosis and bone loss.

Women are at particular risk for what is known as the �female athlete triad� that includes: loss of menstruation, bone mineral loss and eating disorders. These symptoms usually arise from a combination of over exercise and calorie restriction.

It is widely believed that exercise improves mental health but researchers have revealed that too much physical activity could also have a negative impact. Excessive exercising can be a sign of obsessive behaviour. The psychological effects of over exercising can include sleep disturbance, fatigue, apathy, and depression.

If you think you have been binging on exercise and find your body displaying any of the symptoms, it is time to listen and take a break from your exercise routine. You can slow down your workout or limit your trainings but do give your body time to rest and heal.