Over-Exercising Can Be Bad for You

Too much exercise could sabotage your health

FOR THOSE OF US

looking to slim down, a daily work-out (or two) might seem like a no-brainer. But there are occasions when you should hit the gym with caution. Believe it or not, while working out might whittle your middle and tone you up, there can be too much of a good thing.

It is possible that working out excessively can cause what’s called adrenal fatigue. Symptoms include body aches, dizziness and extreme tiredness. And when these symptoms hit, all those hours spent at the gym could backfire – big-time.

Lesley Maxwell, author of Get the Body You Want and personal trainer to the 50-plus age group, says adrenal fatigue isn’t common but it is possible. “If you’re training once or even twice daily and not giving your body time to fully recover between

sessions, and so feeling continuously exhausted, then you could be suffering from adrenal fatigue.”

She recommends lots of rest, a good amount of sleep and nourishing your body with healthy foods such as fresh fruit, vegetables, good fats and lean meat. And when you are ready to start exercising again, get help from a qualified trainer who can put together a tailored exercise programme for you.

“Incorporating weight training three or four days per week and going for a brisk walk or swim on the other days is ideal for staying fit.

“Exercise is also great for relieving stress, so going for a walk and weight training for 30 to 60 minutes daily would not only help strengthen your body, but help you sleep better, too.”

Rest, recover, nourish.