We all want to be healthy and fit, but can there be too much of a good thing?
Our brains have been programmed to believe that if we’re chasing aesthetic goals, we need to work out 5-6 times a week, never skip a Monday, rest days will delay our progress, etc., etc. But that’s just simply not true. Our body NEEDS REST to truly make progress - give our muscles time to recover and heal before we push ourselves again.
Today, let's dive into the topic of overexercising and how finding balance is the key to achieving our goals.
Let's explore five points that shed light on the potential downsides of overexertion.
1. Increased Risk of Injury:
We're all about challenging ourselves, but listening to our bodies is equally as important. I always say there is a BIG difference between being uncomfortable and being in pain. Overexercising puts us at a higher risk of injuries. When we continuously push our limits without giving our muscles and joints time to recover, we leave them vulnerable to strains and sprains. Ouch! Let's balance challenging ourselves and giving our bodies the rest they need.
I used to ski competitively and train so intensely. My injuries could never fully heal because I always had to push through the pain. My body had to pay for it for years, and dozens of physio/ chiro appointments later.
2. Hormonal Imbalances:
Our bodies are amazing, intricate systems, and overexercising can throw off our hormonal balance. Think cortisol, the stress hormone. Too much intense exercise can actually increase our cortisol levels, impacting everything from our immune system to our sleep. It's time to find that sweet spot where exercise invigorates without wreaking havoc on our hormones.
If you struggle with gut symptoms or are generally in a constant state of stress, those HIIT workouts are more than likely doing more harm than good - adding MORE stress into your body to the point where it begins working against you. Opt for lower-impact forms of movements like Pilates to help nurture your nervous system.
3. Compromised Immune System:
We want to be strong inside and out, right? Overexercising can temporarily weaken our immune system. Our bodies need time to recover and restore their natural defences. Without that recovery time, we might find ourselves getting sick more often. Remember that balance is the secret ingredient to keeping our immune system strong.
Also, please do not try to “push through” and work out while sick. Being sick is your body begging for rest - give yourself some grace! I promise a few days off won’t deteriorate your progress.
4. Mental and Emotional Exhaustion:
Our workouts should leave us feeling energized, not drained. Overexercising can lead to burnout and mental fatigue. We want to enjoy the journey and stay motivated, right? When we push too hard, anxiety and depression can creep in. Remember, exercise is meant to be a source of joy and self-care. So let's find that balance that keeps our bodies and minds happy.
5. Disrupted Sleep Patterns:
Sleep is the secret weapon to our overall well-being, and exercise can contribute to better sleep. However, overexercising can actually disrupt our sleep patterns. Late-night intense workouts might make it tough to wind down and catch those Z's. Good sleep is vital to our fitness journey, so prioritize your sleep if you truly want to make those gains.
My friends, we're on this journey together, and finding balance is the name of the game. Overexercising might do more harm than good, from increasing the risk of injuries to throwing our hormones out of whack. Remember that we can still achieve our goals by listening to our bodies, giving them the rest they deserve, and finding the perfect balance between pushing ourselves and practicing self-care. So let's roll out our mats, find our happy place, and embark on a fitness journey that nourishes both our bodies and souls.
I promise you will be so happy that you did.
All my love,
KM