Regular exercise is widely recognised as one of the best ways to improve overall health, but can there be too much of a good thing? According to Dr Naveen Bhamri, vice chairman and HOD-cardiology, Max Hospital Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, while physical activity is highly beneficial for most people, excessive exercise, particularly intense endurance training, may carry certain risks.
In his May 17 Instagram video, Dr Bhamri addressed a common belief that more exercise always leads to better health. “More exercise means better health. This is not always true,” he said. (Also read: Mumbai surgeon shares advice for Indian parents and grandparents over 50 who think they're ‘too old to exercise’ )
When can exercise become excessive
Dr Bhamri pointed to the World Health Organisation’s recommendations, which suggest that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week for cardiovascular health.
However, he noted that some studies have found potential concerns among athletes who engage in very high levels of endurance training, such as marathon runners, triathletes and endurance cyclists.
{{/usCountry}}However, he noted that some studies have found potential concerns among athletes who engage in very high levels of endurance training, such as marathon runners, triathletes and endurance cyclists.
{{/usCountry}}“In some endurance athletes, the incidence of irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation has been found to be higher,” he said. According to Dr Bhamri, excessive cardio exercise may also increase strain on the right side of the heart in certain individuals.
Watch out for these warning signs
While emphasising that exercise remains extremely beneficial for the general population, Dr Bhamri advised people to pay attention to symptoms that may indicate a problem. “Exercise for the common person is very good, very beneficial,” he said.
He highlighted several red-flag signs that should never be ignored, including chest pain, palpitations and extreme breathlessness during exercise. “If you experience chest pain, palpitations or extreme breathlessness while exercising, stop immediately,” he advised.
Dr Bhamri also noted that the risk of sudden cardiac death during exercise is very rare, but may be slightly higher in people with an undiagnosed underlying heart condition.
To help people gauge the right intensity, he shared a simple rule of thumb: “Moderate-intensity exercise means you can talk, but you cannot sing while exercising.”
His message serves as a reminder that while regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy, balance is key, and listening to your body’s warning signs is just as important as staying active.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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