Healthcare experts have raised concerns over the dangers of excessive exercise, cautioning that pushing the body beyond its limits can result in severe health complications, including sudden collapse and even death.
They urged fitness enthusiasts to embrace moderation in their training routines to maintain long-term wellbeing. The professionals highlighted the risks of overexertion, warning that extreme workouts without appropriate guidance can do more harm than good.
Professor Rufus Adedoyin, a physiotherapy expert from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, emphasised that while consistent physical activity is vital for good health, it must be approached with care. He noted that overtraining can lead to muscle strains, injuries, psychological burnout, and, in rare cases, fatalities.
“Exercise can be abused just like drugs.” he stated. “we’ve seen cases where people push themselves too hard and end up with serious injuries. That’s why proper assessment and guidance are critical. If someone is overtraining or exercising incorrectly, they may suffer joint injuries, bone fractures, muscle strains, or tendon damage.”
Adedoyin recommended that non-professional athletes stick to moderate workouts, warning that high-intensity training is better suited to those with specific athletic goals.
Echoing his concerns, Associate Professor Okafor of the University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, also stressed the importance of understanding one’s physical condition before engaging in exercise. He noted that individuals must assess their heart and lung health to ensure they are not unknowingly putting themselves at risk.
“If an individual goes into exercising without being sure of their cardiopulmonary parameters and without understanding the type of exercise they’re doing, that individual may be abusing exercise” he explained.
Both experts agreed that tailored exercise plans, created with the help of professionals, are essential to ensure safety and effectiveness in physical training.
