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While you are constantly being told to “push it”, do an extra set of squats, another 5 press ups, and so on, are you doing too much? It’s a valid question to ask, because it’s not just about what you do in the gym that’s going to affect your ability to cope with the physical stress, but it’s other parts of your life that will add to this feeling of tension in your body.
Sometimes we can push it too much, and it can be to the detriment of our body, but also our mind. A lot of people make the mistake in thinking that by going to the gym 7 days a week, they are doing their body a service. In fact, they are doing the opposite. So, let’s have a look at some of the signs you are working out too much.
Feeling tired
This is the most obvious symptom. If you feel exhausted, you’re not going to give your body adequate time to recover from your workouts. You might find that your legs are heavy, and completing everyday tasks feels like a struggle. The best solution for this if you don’t want to give up the gym is to just go three times a week. You can still do high intensity work, but make sure you allow a day in between each workout session.
Feeling miserable
If you find that you feel good for a small window of time after your workout session, but the rest of your day means you’re feeling irritable or grumpy, the lack of recovery time could have a direct impact on your hormones. If you’re to find that you’re struggling to concentrate, it’s time to up the amount of rest.
Aches and pains
If you opt for the high intensity workout most days, and your joints, muscles, and bones ache a lot, you need to look at two things, your technique, but also if you are working out comfortably. For something like squats, poor footwear can have a negative impact on your feet, and you try to compromise by performing with poor form. There are insoles you can purchase, like Biopods so you can feel that support in the arches of your feet. But if you’ve been using footwear or any type of clothing that has been restrictive, and you’ve been forced into a poor form, you need to purchase proper clothing, but reassess your approaches to every exercise you do.
Needing more sleep
And surprisingly, if you need more sleep, your body is giving you the signal that you need to take it easy. We view a lack of sleep as a badge of honor, but if you are going hard in the gym, and then heading out for drinks, at what point is your body recovering? If you don’t have your 8 hours of good quality sleep, this is the first thing to do, but also, integrate a good bedtime routine, and make sure that your diet is conducive to good sleep. In other words, cut out the sugar!
Yes, there are people who work out too much, and if this is you, consider these points, but also consider if you are refueling adequately.
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