You just saw yourself in the mirror and rejected the image staring back at you. Who is that imposter? That can’t be me!
So you do what any rational person does in such circumstance?
You enroll in a gym or start an exercise routine. You exercise for hours on end, trying to cramp in one week’s worth in a day. With all the weight loss reality shows on TV, you figured that if those contestants could lose double digits every week why can’t you.
More exercise is always good right? Not always.
We call this phenomenon the “weekend warrior” syndrome. Your enthusiasm can cause you harm if not harnessed properly. Beside the danger of flaming out from the sheer intensity, you can do a lot of damage to your body.
When you start an intense work-out routine without building it up gradually, you stand the risk of breaking down your muscles. A good exercise routine burns fat and builds muscle.
Intense workout routines when implemented too fast too soon break down muscle. The muscle breakdown overwhelms the kidneys and this could cause the kidneys to fail.
So how can you prevent this gory outcome? Curb your enthusiasm, build up your routine gradually and remember to stay hydrated through the whole process.
We are kicking off a fitness challenge that would help you do just that. The Move More Tone Up challenge is just what the doctor ordered for the busy woman who is too exhausted and time-cramped for exercise.
Click the play button below then go over to Move More Pathyway to win, earn or better still; buy your ticket to the Move More challenge.
See you there!
My husband is a firefighter and I see this happening to guys at the station. Thanks for posting this!
Absolutely!
Yes, so true. You gained it slow you have to take it off slow. Great reminder to do in moderation!
Don’t we just love quick fixes!
My problem is i gain too fast and lose it way to slow.. i am working on it though..
I can totally relate to that.
I never knew about the kidney problem but it makes perfect sense.
Now you know Tara!
I learned the importance of hydration first hand. (see my 2 post- 30 Day Water Challenge and The Follow-Up) VERY important to hydrate plus slowly building endurance.
You are right on the money April.
I am not in danger of over doing it. Although, I’ll do something low intensity for hours if I enjoy it and am not in pain. Ah, the joys of being in my mid thirties with a 60 yr old body. Still grateful to have my relative health. Thank you for the warning!
You are welcome Meredith.
Ah, I know the “weekend warrior” all too well! I had no idea intense workout when implemented too fast could break down muscle – exactly what I don’t want to do! Slow and steady wins the race!
Precisely Jen.
I love the advice on building up the tolerance. This rings true with anything, but especially important with exercise so as to not cause any painful or long-term injuries
Absolutely Kristin. We need to build tolerance with time with any lifestyle change we want to undertake. Little wonder those ambitious New Year resolutions are quickly put aside by the second week of the New Year.