Too much excercise?

KevDaniel
KevDaniel Posts: 449 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Is there such a thing?

The reason I ask is I have had great success so far. However, it seems like now my gym time is not so challenging, so it may be a bi product of my increased fitness level. As it is I work out 5 days a week with 2 intense cardio days (2.5-3hrs) 2 Strength Days, and 1 light day (about an hour). Also on my days off I am fairly active. I am currently in school for fitness and this includes another workout class for ACE which is an hour lab consisting of tons of group fitness classes (CrossFit, TurboKick, BodyComabt, Pilates, etc..)

So now I have this desire to wake up a little early and go for a run every morning, maybe do some workouts to get going for about 30mins-1hr is this too much? Some people have told me it can have negative effects and was curious about other opinions.

Replies

  • SuperSexyDork
    SuperSexyDork Posts: 1,669 Member
    Too much exercise sets you up for failure, honestly.

    Besides the risk of overuse injuries and burnout, at the level you're currently doing, how do you have time for a balanced life? Do you still have time for socializing? Do you spend time with your family? What about studying? Do you have any other hobbies?
  • Flixie00
    Flixie00 Posts: 1,195 Member
    I work out twice a day sometimes, work out a lot, and 6 days a week. Like you I vary my exercise (strength training, running, gym cardio, classes and now squash), and I feel great when I have had a good work out.

    I am wary of over exercising, so take my rest days seriously, eat properly and make sure that I get a good nights sleep. If I were to start feeling tired, or catching a lot of colds etc, I would take a break.
  • dallas4u
    dallas4u Posts: 57
    Well that is up to you. You've lost 192 lbs so looks like what you've done works for you. So, I suggest that exactly - do what you like and what works for you. Listen to your body though - if you start to get injuries, knee problems, or other injuries as a result of over-exercising then you are doing too much. Burnout is also a risk. However, I know several people that seem to be able to work out all the time and they've done it for years.

    I wish I could borrow some of your motivation :)
  • ChristinaK69
    ChristinaK69 Posts: 249
    I think for mental sake having one down day a week is a good idea...but, I don't always follow that advice because I go stir crazy and drive my family nuts. I have to always be doing something and if I don't exercise I get restless legs at night. Sorry, not much help here
  • Vercell
    Vercell Posts: 437 Member
    I dont think you can workout to much if you do your body will let you no then you rest.If I could I would workout 7 days a week all day if I could .
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,994 Member
    It's too much exercise if you can't recover from it.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • cordianet
    cordianet Posts: 534 Member
    Simply put, yes, it is possible to get too much exercise. The long answer is it's all about what your goals are. If, for example, you are training to be an elite athlete in a particular sport, then what you're doing is appropriate. Just remember that everything has costs. By training at that level, your risk of repetitive use injury is super elevated, you likely have very elevated cortisol levels, inflammation and joint pain can be a serious issue, etc. Remember, elite athletes have trainers to help them deal with the health implications of their choices.

    On the other hand, for overall health, I'd say you're already way past the point "too much". Please remember the adage "all things in moderation" Just because 3-5 hours of intense cardio a week is good for you does not mean that 20 hours is better.

    Here's a test for you: Do you feel tired and run down a lot? Are you failing to get through some of those workouts? Is your body re-composition stalling? Do you seem prone to minor injury and/or have a lot of joint pain? Are you having issues sleeping? Do you wonder why you're not getting any gains in the weight room? Is your speed not increasing in your cardio sports? These are all signs you may be over-training.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    It's too much exercise if you can't recover from it.
    ^^This.

    And it's going to be different for everybody and different for an individual as fitness increases or as other life stresses increase.
  • purpleipod
    purpleipod Posts: 1,147 Member
    Yes, there is such thing as too much exercise. The limit is just different for everyone. You can injure yourself if you're not taking the correct amount of rest you need.
  • 10kaday
    10kaday Posts: 177
    No.... but you need to listen to your body. The body needs both rest and fitness, so there needs to be a balance. Obviously you couldn't exercise 24 hours a day 7 days a week. haha. So see how you feel and how you recover by increasing what you do. Also, pay attention to those calories; the more active you are --the more you need to eat.
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,861 Member
    The reason I don't do that much is just because I have other things to do. You probably aren't going to hurt yourself with your current routine, but you are probably past the point of diminishing returns. I've settled in at running 5 or 10k 2 or 3 times a week and weight lifting for an hour two times a week. And if I get too busy and miss a workout or a run, I don't lose anything. I work out as much to clear my head as anything else.
  • Diahann_Hughes
    Diahann_Hughes Posts: 58 Member
    Hiya :) I exercise 6 days a week and love it, my body is fine and copes with all the exercise no problem. However feel it gives happiness and enjoyment I guess if you do tooo much each day that would be a negative. Most ppl hate the gym soo working out to much is some peoples idea of hell.
  • flatblade
    flatblade Posts: 224 Member
    I am considering this for myself. I am not spending huge amounts of time exercising, but I am spending more time than I would if I was at my weight goal. If I reduce my exercise, I wonder if I'll be able to maintain the weight I will be at.

    Also, I do think there are legitimate overuse risks. It's not a good idea to exercise to the point of injury.

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