When it comes to our resolutions every year, there’s a common refrain among almost all people: we want to get more in shape. And yet, there’s very few of us that successfully achieve this goal. 

But there are a select few that not only achieve this goal but go above and beyond. Everyone knows someone who spends a few hours at the gym every day, and you might even be that person in your own group of friends. 

Can there be too much of a good thing? Is over working out possible? How much is too much? If you’re an avid gymgoer or fitness junkie, these can be important questions. Read on, and we’ll walk you through the answers. 

Is There Such a Thing as Over Working Out? 

The truth is, yes. Exercise is an essential and important activity for the health of our bodies. But it is possible to push ourselves too hard. 

Working out is at it’s best when it involves slowly and steadily working towards big goals. If we rush or try to force our way to those goals too fast, we can end up injuring ourselves. 

Athletes and fitness freaks from all kinds of backgrounds and areas of focus are susceptible to the risks of overtraining. Certain workouts or activities can increase the risk of injury, but all active people have the potential to burn themselves out. 

The first sign of a potential problem is usually a lack of progress. If you’re not making further strides in your physical fitness, it’s probably because you’re not giving your body proper time for recovery. 

But there are a number of other problems and symptoms that might indicate that you’re pushing it too far. 

Pains, Aches, and Problems to Look Out for 

There’s a lot of possible problem areas to look out for if you think you’re at risk of over working out. The actual body response each person will face will vary depending on a number of circumstances. 

But a number of general symptoms are fairly common. 

Soreness All Over

One of the most common symptoms of overtraining is a chronic soreness that just doesn’t seem to go away. You’re probably used to a certain amount of soreness after the gym or even look forward to it. 

But if you’re feeling a soreness that lasts for days and refuses to subside, that can be an indication of a problem. Overall, if your recovery time is down from the normal amount, it can mean it’s time to pull back. 

Fluctuations in Appetite 

A symptom you might not have expected to look out for has to do with your sense of hunger. A fluctuating appetite or fluctuating weight can mean that your body is severely imbalanced. 

If your body is chronically overexerted, you might feel starving one second and completely full the next. Not a good situation to be in. 

Trouble Sleeping

Not only can overexertion cause us problems in our waking hours, but it can also actually prevent us from getting a full night’s sleep. A body that has been pummeled by overwork can struggle to return to a normal sleep schedule.

This causes a vicious cycle, as a lack of sleep then contributes to our body’s ability to heal or repair itself. 

Increased Heart Rate 

If you’re feeling a pain in the center of your chest, it’s probably because you’ve worked out too much. Large fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure could be a sign that your body needs some much-needed rest. 

There’s a still undetermined link between heart troubles and over-exercise. Needless to say, if you’re feeling something irregular, it might be worth it to check the problem out. 

How to Avoid Overexertion 

You’re driven and motivated in your fitness goals. The last thing you want to do is see your routine and hard work tossed by the wayside. There are many things you can do to let your body rest and avoid overexertion. 

Consider mixing up your routine. Repetition can be stressful for both the body and the mind. Bringing in new kinds of exercises can help free your body up and avoid problems. 

You can try some of these natural bodybuilding routines if you need some fresh ideas for your workout. 

Also, attempt to be a bit more careful in how you increase the intensity of your workouts. Slow increases can be great for building strength and endurance. But overzealous advancements can result in more stress than your body can handle. 

Make sure you’re eating and drinking well on either side of your workouts. A machine needs good fuel to run, and your body is no different. If you’re not giving yourself the proper dietary choices, you could be running your body dry during exercise. 

Last but not least, don’t forget to take some time off! A motivated gym schedule is fantastic. But everything is better in moderation. Ensure that you’re giving your body and mind some time to unwind and enjoy what else life has to offer. 

Keeping Your Body Healthy and Strong

Exercise is key to keeping your body in healthy physical condition. But there is such a thing as over working out, and it can do the exact opposite to your body and well-being. It’s important to practice moderation in exercise and listen to your body for any warning signs. 

Do you have your own experience with over working out? Drop us a line and share your story.