- Regular exercise can reduce disease risk, promote good health, and uncover potential health issues.
- Incorrect workout methods can result in sprains, strains, tendonitis, stress fractures, and dislocations.
- Rapidly increased physical activity can risk venous insufficiency, leading to issues with blood circulation.
- Disproportionate fatigue post-workout may indicate underlying health conditions like anemia, thyroid disorders, or heart disease.
Working out regularly is a pivotal activity that can unearth potential health issues and, at the same time, contribute to improving an individual’s overall well-being. Regular exercise has been proven to reduce the risk of developing diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Adults who engage in 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week have a 31% lower risk of heart disease.
Besides, exercising aids in maintaining a healthy weight and promotes better sleep, which are fundamental aspects of good health. Furthermore, it can also serve as a mood booster. The Mayo Clinic states that physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, which are brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.
This might give you a sign that working out will bring you more benefits than expected. However, you might also uncover a few potential health risks. Here are a few things to watch out for when exercising:
Injuries
Working out is undoubtedly beneficial but can result in injuries when done incorrectly. Excessive workouts, poor form, or ignoring the body’s signals can lead to physical harm. Educating oneself on proper exercise techniques and listening to body cues to prevent such situations is crucial. Here are some common injuries that may result from improper exercising:
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries that may occur during physical activities. A sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, the fibrous tissues connecting two bones. On the other hand, a strain involves an injury to a muscle or a tendon, which connects muscle to bone. These are often the result of sudden, awkward movements or failure to warm up properly before exercising.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the affected area or a sudden, more serious injury. Individuals who perform the same movement repeatedly, such as lifting weights or running, can fall victim to tendonitis.
Stress Fractures
Stress fractures result in microscopic cracks in a bone that occur over time. Stress fractures are common in weight-bearing bones of the foot and lower leg and are more likely if you rapidly increase the amount or intensity of an activity. They happen due to repetitive force, making them more common among athletes.
Dislocations
A dislocation is an injury to a joint where two or more bones come together, forcing the bones from their regular positions. This can be caused by a fall or blow, often in contact sports. It’s important to remember that trying to self-correct a dislocation can lead to further damage.
Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is when your veins struggle to send blood from your limbs back to your heart. This is often due to the weakening of the vein walls or the malfunctioning of venous valves that help control blood flow. When individuals who have been sedentary for a long time suddenly start an intense workout regimen, they may unknowingly put themselves at risk of venous insufficiency.
The sudden spike in physical activity could exert unexpected pressure on the veins, especially in the lower limbs, causing the venous valves to work harder to push blood back to the heart. This could potentially lead to valve failure or weakening of the vein walls, ultimately resulting in venous insufficiency. Symptoms of this condition can include swelling in the lower limbs, pain or discomfort, and the formation of varicose veins. Therefore, it’s essential for those beginning a new workout routine to gradually increase their exercise intensity and consult with a healthcare provider before starting an intense regimen.
It is essential to consult a venous insufficiency specialist to ensure adequate diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Additionally, those diagnosed should take extra precautions to prevent further damage to the veins by wearing compression socks or stockings during exercise and taking frequent rest breaks.
Fatigue
Excessive fatigue could potentially signal underlying health problems. When regular workouts seem disproportionately exhausting, or recovery takes longer, it may be time to consult a health professional. Fatigue could indicate conditions such as anemia, wherein the body lacks enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues, resulting in tiredness and weakness.
Moreover, chronic fatigue could also be a symptom of thyroid conditions, both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). The thyroid hormones play a significant role in regulating energy levels, and any imbalance can lead to feelings of exhaustion.
Lastly, excessive fatigue might be an early sign of heart disease, particularly if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain. The heart’s inability to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs can result in persistent tiredness. Therefore, listening to your body and seeking medical advice if you notice unusual fatigue levels is essential.
Final Thoughts
Exercising is a great way to improve one’s overall health, but it can also uncover potential underlying health issues. Knowing what to watch out for and understanding the signs of an injury or condition is essential in keeping safe while working out. Remember to listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider if something isn’t quite right.