Over-Training Can Cause Chronic and Degenerative Injuries

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Are your exercise habits leading you to chronic and degenerative injuries? Too much exercise, over an extended period of time, can cause more damage to your body than the intended health benefits. Exercise, fitness, fat loss and weight loss are designed to make you healthier for the length of your life.

If you begin to experience prolonged pain (especially in your joints) after workouts, you need to listen to your body. It could be telling you to take a break from your workouts. I recommend that clients take a break from regular workouts every 12 weeks. That doesn’t mean that they become couch potatoes for a week. You can stay active during the week-long break by walking 30 minutes every day. When you do return to regular workouts, your body will be refreshed and repaired.

Doing 20-minute interval cardio sessions burns tons of calories and fat. You could do this type of workout (and many do) or a variation of it every day. But, if you do this, your body will break down in short order. Everyone needs a day or two off each week to rest and recover.

Don't think that you are being smart, or tough, by working out every day of the week. You can be a "workout warrior" and still be smart about it. Trust me, your body will break down if you don't treat it right. The cumulative effect of various injuries will take its toll on you. And, that could lead to chronic or degenerative injuries.

Chronic injuries can be caused by over-training, muscle imbalances and uncorrected postural deficiencies. Furthermore, muscle imbalances and postural problems are made worse by over-training. And, since chronic injuries come on gradually, you are more apt to "play through the pain." Leave that attitude to people getting paid to compete. You need to take care of the only body you have.

Degenerative conditions can become non-reversible and many are associated with long-term joint problems. Sometimes, previously unrehabilitated injuries turn into degenerative conditions (such as low back problems, shoulder problems or knee problems). Some arthritic conditions are brought on by the cumulative effect of previous injuries.

Don't underestimate rest and recovery during your exercise program. The health of your body depends on it!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES, CPT is a Certified Personal Trainer and former NCAA Division I athlete. Mark’s Fat Blaster Athletic Training System has been proven to give his clients the fit, sculpted and athletic-type bodies they want. Visit Mark’s sites:

My Fitness Hut http://myfitnesshut.blogspot.com
Her Fitness Hut http://herfitnesshut.com
Sports Fitness Hut http://sportsfitnesshut.blogspot.com

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