Personal Training Journal Entry #4
Over the last couple of decades, inquiry in the health and fitness industry have changed from, “Does exercise significantly affect overall health?” to questions such as, “Can I over-exercise?” and “How much training is too much?”
We all know that exercise done correctly, and in moderation, can benefit overall health and well-being. But, when are we doing too much? How can you tell you’re exercising in excess?
Exercising can be fun and sometimes even addicting, so it is important to be aware of signs that can tell you that your body is reaching its limit, and that there may be a reason to rest. Among the more obvious signs, like achy muscles, chronic injuries, and fighting sickness, there are a couple others that I keep a close eye on to ensure I don’t hinder my physical and mental performance:
Dramatic Weight Fluctuation – Exercising at high intensity, too frequently, can cause fluctuations in body weight and appetite. If you find yourself eating irregular portions, and gaining or losing significant amounts of weight, you might be overexerting yourself during exercise.
Shifting Sleep Patterns – In one of my previous blogs, I touched on how important sleep is. But in this situation, what came first? The chicken or the egg? Many times when you sleep less, you feel more tired. What many don’t know is that in some cases being tired can cause irregular sleep patterns, hurting your daily performance.
To answer the many health-goers of today, YES you can exercise too much. If you choose to exercise at your limit, remember to rest at the same level, and keep a life in balance.
Sean M. Smith
Personal Fitness Trainer
16632 1/2 Marquez Ave.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
www.seansmithfitness.com