When it comes to exercise, we tend to think more is always better — but you can have too much of a good thing. Over-exerting yourself can be detrimental to your health and well-being. IMUA Orthopedics Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, is Oahu’s number one source for osteopathic manipulative treatment and wellness coaching. According to their team of sports medicine experts, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it might be time to step away from the gym for a few days. 

5 Signs You’re Exercising Too Much 

1. Prolonged Muscle Soreness

Some muscle soreness is to be expected, especially after weight-lifting and rigorous strength training. However, if your muscles are still hurting 72 hours after a workout, it could indicate you’re overdoing it. To achieve optimal results, you have to allow your body time to recover after intense training.

2. Unintentional Weight Loss

Exercising is a great way to shed extra pounds. But if you’ve lost your appetite and are losing weight without meaning to, it could be a sign of over-exercising. Remember, food is fuel. Your body needs nutrients to become stronger. Make sure you’re getting proper nutrition, and don’t be afraid to indulge in a treat every once in awhile.

3. Frequent Illness

Staying fit is a great way to boost your immune system. Most people who eat well and often exercise rarely get sick. If you’re getting sick more often than usual or can’t seem to kick that cold or flu bug, take a break and allow your body to rest and recover. 

4. High Resting Heart Rate 

The average person’s resting heart rate is about 72 bpm. But if you’re in great shape, your resting heart rate should be about 50 or 60 bpm. Check yours to see if it is significantly higher than average. If it is, consider taking a break from exercise or decreasing the intensity for awhile.

5. Hitting a Plateau 

If you’ve been putting in your utmost effort and haven’t seen improvements in your strength, speed, or overall performance, you might think you’re not training hard enough. In reality, the opposite might be true. A prolonged plateau is a key indicator of overtraining. Give your body a break. When you get back to it, you’ll feel more capable than ever.

In addition to recovery periods and proper nutrition, osteopathic manipulative treatment can also help boost your performance. IMUA Orthopedics Sports & Health, the island’s leading osteopathic manipulative treatment provider, offers a broad range of sports medicine and orthopedic services, from surgery to lifestyle coaching. Call (808) 521-8170 or visit their website to book an appointment today. You can also find the facility on Facebook.