The Hidden Dangers Of Overdoing It At The Gym
A gym is often portrayed as an oasis for the modern man, where you can improve your body, relax your mind, form bonds with like-minded individuals, and enjoy that much-loved post-workout buzz. On the outside, it is hard to deny that a gym offers the complete package.
However, in my latest article, I will share how regular visits to your favourite fitness haunt can offer several downsides. Continue reading to find out more.
Once the fitness bug takes hold, you will likely start spending more and more time at the gym; however, several negative factors can impact your goals. Aside from the well-known issues such as gym addiction or over-working your body, the following points are lesser known, but still huge downsides that can cause problems in your daily life.
Weight Gain
The number one reason to hit the gym is for health reasons (and to build a buff body), so it is surprising to hear that weight gain is a worrying side effect of over-exercising. For example, excessive physical activity can inevitably burn more calories than you consume, so your body will soon crave food (even unhealthy options) after your intense workout session.
On a scientific level, excessive exercise can lead to a condition known as a catabolic state. When this occurs, your body could end up breaking down muscle tissue as an energy source. This process will lead to muscle loss, which will send your weight levels (and ability to lose those pounds) into chaos, which can also reduce your metabolic processes (so weight gain is much more likely).
Weakened Immune System
Although you may appreciate watching your muscles grow during your workout journey, your immune system may be weakening behind the scenes. This effect could, in turn, be responsible for a risk of drawn-out illnesses and fatigue, which is totally in contrast to that buff, strong man image you visualised when you started this lifestyle.
Typically, this adverse effect occurs due to excessively heavy exercise, which can suppress immune function (especially when combined with insufficient rest, nutrition, and a rigorous workout regimen).
However, emerging research also suggests that the correct level of exercise can offer an immunity boost. Nevertheless, this doesn’t negate the fact that overexerting your body can quickly leave you bedridden with even a minor illness, such as a common cold.
Hormonal Balance
It is common knowledge that exercise can stimulate feel-good hormones (which is why gym visits can be addictive!). There is also a negative aspect: too much exercise could leave crucial hormones in turmoil.
Certain experts have discovered that overexercise can disrupt the balance of key reproductive hormones such as testosterone. For instance, you may be in the midst of conception struggles, and rather than endlessly looking at how to improve sperm quality, you may simply need to take it easier at the gym instead.
Another negative issue is that exercise-induced hormones can also decrease bone density and influence your mood, energy levels and much more (unless you are very careful!).
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that regular bodybuilding and exercise are a positive lifestyle choice, but you need to be aware (and protect yourself) against the hidden dangers that could significantly damage your fitness objectives, as well as your daily life as a whole.
What are your thoughts on my latest health and fitness article? Please share your thoughts below.
