Watch the Intensity of Your Workouts

Current exercise guidelines state that heavy weight training, explosive movements, and high intensity cardio should be avoided by beginners until they demonstrate that they are ready to progress. Often, people overlook these guidelines and start programs at full speed rather than gradually increasing the level of intensity. This can prove to be dangerous, and this was demonstrated in the American Journal of Medicine and highlighted in an article published by the New York Times. Doctors have been finding that some people, especially beginners, have developed a condition called rhabdomyolysis after taking high intensity spin classes. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition caused by extreme exercise that might be potentially life threatening. While some muscle damage is normal and beneficial for muscle growth, rhabodmyolysis occurs when the stress is so great that fibers are destroyed and break apart to release myoglobin, which is harmful to the liver. This condition does not only affect spinners; in fact, doctors found it associated with any type of excessive weight training, running, P90X, and Cross Fit Classes. It is important to note that not all the people who developed rhabdomyolysis were unfit; but, they were pushed too hard and then developed muscle trauma. It is extremely important to give muscles adequate time adjust to new exercises. When you start any kind of new exercise program, and do a less intense version to start. Work your way up gradually and know your limits!