Advocate Good Shepherd doctor talks about when your body hits its limit
Do you feel like you're always on the go? Constantly engaging in physical activity, whether through excessive cardio workouts, extreme strength training or keeping up with high energetic children, will put too much stress on the body and can be detrimental to your health.
Excessive amounts of cardio can have a negative effect on your metabolism. Listen to your body's needs and don't over do it. Thirty minutes of regular exercise daily will help prevent high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes while strengthening muscles, lowering your heart rate, and improving your overall mood.
During strength training it's equally important to give your body a break. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends training each muscle group 2 to 3 times a week. On rest days, allow your muscles time to repair and grow.
Give yourself a mental health day. Take a day off from too much exercise and let your body destress. Don't push yourself too hard and ignore your body's warning signs. A weakened immune system can put your body at risk for developing long term injuries.
Be aware of psychological mood changes. Emotions such as depression, confusion, and anxiety are common when your body is physically overstressed.
A decrease in appetite is an indicator for overtraining. Be sure to keep your energy up and strengthen your immune system by eating a healthy diet that consists of whole grains, lean proteins, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Insomnia can be a sign of excessive exercise. Instead of giving your body the rest it needs you become restless. Provide your body the chance to fully rejuvenate and build muscle with at least eight hours of sleep a night.
Too much exercise can be harmful to your health. Pay attention to the warning signs and know your body's limits to keep yourself healthy and fit.
Dr. Warren Kruckmeyer, M.D. practices Family Medicine at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and is a member of Advocate Physician Partners. He attended medical school at Rush Presbyterian St Luke's Medical School in Chicago and his residency at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. Dr. Kruckmeyer has a practice in Wauconda and can be reached at (847) 795-3350.