Mindinsports

 
How much should you exercise? Can you overdo exercising?

Yes, you can. Last fortnight, I indulged in some avoidable heroism. The day after a molar had to be extracted by my dentist, I, having missed a week of workouts because of travel, decided to hit the gym. The workout went fine, although I found that I was lifting around 5-10 percent less than usual. I attributed that a weeklong absence and went about my sets normally. Then, just after the last set, I realized how fatigued I was feeling I was slightly dizzy and was breaking out in cold sweat even after a shower. Fact is, I was not ready for the workout.

 
First, the dental work had meant a semi-liquid diet on the previous day; and second, the pain-killers and antibiotics that should I’d been on had probably made me weak. I’m not suggesting that I shouldn’t have worked out that day – my dentist insists 24 hours is enough of a break before resuming normal activity – only that perhaps I should have started with an easier, lighter routine rather than that hell-for leather high-intensity gig that I’m doing for the past weeks.

 
Over-exercising on a regular basis can have serious consequences and instead of keeping you fit can harm your health. In fact, over-exercising can not only endanger your cardiovascular health but also decrease your muscle mass, defeating the purpose of weight-training !

 
Most people co cardio to burn fat. Now, if you run (or walk or cycle or cross-train) in the evening, it normally means you have eaten breakfast and lunch and perhaps another small meal before you hit the treadmill. Now, remember that all these meals have meant intake of calories, which is what your post-meal cardio will probably burn first. Instead, if you do your cardio early in the morning, chances are that you’ll burn calories, which are stored in your body in the form of fat and thus make your cardio session more effective.

 
Some more tips for a good workout :

 
Warming up : Always warm up before a workout and cool down after it. It prevents injuries.

 
Good techniques : Your movement and poise must be perfect if your workout has to be effective. Don’t lift weights that are heavy to maintain good form with.

 
Rest is important :  Giving your muscles rest helps them recover and regenerate. Avoid exercising the same group of muscles before you rest them for at least 48 hours.