Signs of Over-Exercising
By Sara Butler
Yes, you can exercise too much.
While exercise is an important aspect of your overall health and wellness, it is possible to go overboard and do too much. In fact, exercise can actually become an addiction, leading to a negative impact on your overall health and wellness. It's OK to be active and get your sweat on, but be on the lookout for these signs that you're doing too much, then work to rein it in.
You're Exhausted
Your workout should leave you feeling energized. In fact, exercise is one way you can boost your overall energy levels in a healthy way. But if you're feeling wiped out and exhausted after a workout instead of pumped up and ready to go, then you may be doing too much.
If you feel this way, then take a step back and assess what you're doing. You may need to take it down a notch or you could be on a path to injury and burnout.
You're Moody
Exercise is another great way to improve your mood since it releases hormones that help you to feel good mentally and physically. But if your workouts are leaving you feeling as if you have a hair trigger when it comes to your temper or you're in a funk you can't get out of, then it's a sign your body is worn down and needs a vacation from your exercise routine.
You Sleep Too Much (Or Not at All)
If you can't sleep through the night or you feel like no amount of sleep is enough to help you feel rested, then it might bean you're overtraining.
Remember, exercise is good for you but it's also a stressor on your body. Too much of it can overload your body and increase your levels of stress hormones. These hormones can make sleeping difficult. On the flip side, some people get overtired from exercising too much on a regular basis and feel as if they could sleep a million years but still be exhausted. This is due to the fact that sleep is the time your body uses to rejuvenate. If there is more repair and rejuvenation to be done than what your body can handle in a night, then no amount of sleep will be enough.
Remember, life is about balance. Working out is a great thing and something you should enjoy, but taking it too far is one way you can sabotage your health and wellness goals without realizing it. So, make sure rest days are a part of your workout plan.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Des Peres, Mo.