Is it really possible to exercise too much?

ljc73
ljc73 Posts: 35 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've noticed a bunch of threads lately where OPs complain about not losing fast enough, and the usual replies about eating more are there but also those that warn about exercising too much? Can someone explain? What's bad about over-exercising?

I don't think I over-exercise -- I do a hard 60 minute circuit workout pretty much each day and because i'm trying to lose, stay under 1200 calories. Is this considered over exercising?

Replies

  • amnsetie
    amnsetie Posts: 666 Member
    You need to give your muscles a day to repair after a hard workout.
    Recommendations I have had include doing cardio one day and lifting the other day
    or
    doing different muscles sets on alternating days

    whatever works for you.
    Apparently giving muscles a day to repair is what makes them stronger.

    I am prepared to be corrected on this info as I am not professional and just quoting others
  • TinGirl314
    TinGirl314 Posts: 430 Member
    Well I think over doing it depends on what you're doing...
    If your circuit training includes weight lifting...I would give your body time to rest.
    This is just for me personally...
    I do 20 minutes of cardio ...
    Day one I do my arms/abs
    Day two I do my abs/legs (I'm an apple...it's all on my belly, and I'm Diabetic and PCOS. )
    Day three I rest...and then start all over again.

    If you're overdoing it, your body will tell you though. People tell me not to go to the gym everyday, but on rest days I only do cardio, and I can't see doing 20 minutes of that everyday of the week as hurting me.

    I also live a very dull life..I work at a desk and don't move for nine hours, I'm confined to 200sq feet so the rest of the time at home is in bed...because there's no room for anything else. LOL

    So...my answer is: Depends on what you're doing, but my personal opinion is that the body does need to rest from weightlifting once in a while.

    P.s. Staying under 1200 calories is pretty slim pickings for your body, especially if you are working out an hour a day. I just recently went from 1200 calories to 1500 plus half of my workout calories and I'm feeling...more energize. Not like I'm going to pass out. Of course I'm also a GIANT AMAZON WOMAN. LOL. So ...it was just an extra thought.

    Best of luck to you!
  • Pudgebrownie
    Pudgebrownie Posts: 73
    In GENERAL 1200 calories or less per day is too little IF exercising. The more you work your body - the more fuel it needs.


    Yes, there is such a thing as "over exercising". Just as there is such a thing as over eating. Everything in moderation is key.
  • ljc73
    ljc73 Posts: 35 Member
    Thanks everyone.

    I should clarify that I stay under 1200 net. It seems to be working fine for me -- I'm not hungry at all and have been slowly / steadily losing. I have hit a mini-plateau, I think, which is what made me post this question... I'm scared to death of eating more because it seems on days that I do go over by only 100 or 200 calories (if I'm at a dinner party or such), I end up gaining which freaks me out, so I'm completely averse to increasing calories.
  • Jester522
    Jester522 Posts: 392
    Absolutely. Overtraining is very real. Never underestimate the value of REST.

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