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Why Working Out Can Be Bad For You

Why Working Out Can Be Bad For You | Thrive

Today's episode of Thrive is all about the dangers, causes and ways you can deal with the phenomenon that is overtraining. Overtraining is far more common then you might think, especially in the lead up to summer when everyone wants to get that beach ready body in time to catch some rays and impress the ladies. 

Let's say you are a relatively fit person who goes to the gym three days a week — every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. But because summer's about to hit, you decide to up your routine to get that killer shirt-off look. So you up your gym visits to six times per week and throw in a bit of extra cardio. Before you know it, you're doing well but start looking extra tired and haggard. Those are classic signs of overtraining. Some other symptoms include: muscle soreness, irritability, depression, loss of motivation, insomnia, decreased appetite and elevated resting heart rate. Bodybuilders and other dieters who exercise intensely while limiting their food intake can often find themselves suffering from the side-effects of overtraining. 

According to our fitness and nutrition expert, Dr. Patrick Owen, the only solution to overtraining is rest. The rest period following hard training is a super important process which can take at least 36 hours to complete. The other thing you should try to do is keep eating well. Don't let your diet go to hell just because you feel bad. It will only make your overtraining symptoms feel that much worse and you'll end up losing all the progress you have already made in terms of your fitness.

The best training routine to follow is a split training regimen. What that means is that you are only hitting a single body part once, maybe twice, in the same week. Always allow at least four days between training the same body part and always schedule in at least a single day of rest every week. Use that rest day to have a life outside of the gym, go see a movie, relax in the park, hang out with some friends — really take advantage of the summer. 

Related: Eight Exercises That Will Make Your Shoulders Bulletproof

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