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Usually we offer guidance on how to make sure we all get enough exercise. Indeed, many of our posts have focused on the ways that even 10 minutes a day (or less!) can make a difference.

Of course, many of us exercise significantly more than that, which led to a new question: Is there such a thing as too much fitness?

U.S. News & World Report states: “Recent research is at least beginning to shed some light on the notion that there may be a point at which large volumes of exercise begin harming, rather than improving, our health. For instance, while a regular exercise routine is highly effective for boosting longevity and cardiovascular health and ameliorating many common chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes and stroke, long-term endurance exercise has been linked with pathologic structural remodeling of the heart, enlarged arteries and increases in anxiety and depression.”

The U.S. National Library of Medicine — part of the National Institute of Health — offers quick tips:

“Pushing too hard for too long can backfire. Here are some symptoms of too much exercise:”

• Being unable to perform at the same level
• Needing longer periods of rest
• Feeling tired
• Being depressed
• Having mood swings or irritability
• Having trouble sleeping
• Feeling sore muscles or heavy limbs
• Getting overuse injuries
• Losing motivation
• Getting more colds
• Losing weight
• Feeling anxiety

The post states: “If you have been exercising a lot and have any of these symptoms, cut back on exercise or rest completely for 1 or 2 weeks. Often, this is all it takes to recover.”

Further, the NIH offers ways to avoid overtraining:

• Eat enough calories for your level of exercise.
• Decrease your workouts before a competition.
• Drink enough water when you exercise.
• Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
• DO NOT exercise in extreme heat or cold.
• Cut back or stop exercising when you don't feel well or are under a lot of stress.
• Rest for at least 6 hours in between periods of exercise. Take a full day off every week