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You Could Be Working Too Hard
by EEW Fitness Editors

If you're one of those people who prefers
exercise in 10 minute increments and
nothing longer, then this article isn't for
you.

The focus of this month's fitness feature is
to help women whose intent is to get in
shape quickly by significantly modifying
their diet and adding vigorous workouts to
their repertoire.

While working out to stay in shape is not
only recommended, but necessary for
your well-being, there is such a thing as
over-doing it. Could you be?

Do you push your body to the limit
without allowing yourself proper recovery
time?

Do you significantly increase your
workout time without giving your body
enough time to adjust to a regular routine
first?
If so, you could be pushing yourself too hard.

Certainly there are many compelling reasons to want to get in shape--especially with spring in full swing, and
summertime right around the corner. But if you're not careful, you could burn out, or worse yet, seriously injure
yourself.
Losing weight should be both challenging and fun. But when you feel yourself getting to the
point where you can barely move for days at a time, especially if you're working out
regularly and consistently, you could be pushing a bit too hard.

Here are 3 things we recommend:

  • Get a routine and stick with that for at least a week before increasing intensity.
    That way, you'll give your muscles time to adjust and acclimate to specific movements.
    Then, after you've gotten the hang of your routine, it's okay to shock your body with a
    more vigorous and intense work out.
  • Listen to your body. Just because something aches doesn't mean you should stop. After all, one could easily
    argue that if it doesn't hurt, you're not working hard enough. But there are signs your body will give you when
    you're over-exerting yourself. Listen to those signs. If you have serious trouble breathing, or feel like you're about
    to lose consciousness, give your body a break. It's not a crime to rest from time-to-time.

  • Finally, don't ever let anyone set your fitness goals for you--not even "professionals." In this day and
    age, there are so many fitness "experts." They come a dime-a-dozen. But a good trainer or health professional will
    help develop a plan that's right for you. Only you can ultimately determine what's best for you.

In the end, if you stick with a healthy diet and a challenging work-out, your body will respond appropriately. You don't
have to overdo it.

So enjoy your weight loss efforts! Here's to your health.