People are rushing to get in shape for summer; it’s common to see the gyms a little more full than normal. While exercise is good for you, it’s important not to over-exert yourself or push yourself beyond what you’re capable of. If you do, it’s possible to be impacted by rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo). This rare condition occurs when the body performs unfamiliar movements many times, leading the muscle cells to become stressed to the point that they die off. When these cells burst, their toxic contents enter the bloodstream and can potentially be fatal.

A Rise in Rhabdo This Summer

This past year was stressful. That’s not up for debate. We were forced to remain in our homes, social distance, and handle the worry that comes with a global pandemic. One of the results of stay-at-home orders and closing the public was the inability to go to the gym. Because of this, many people gained weight over the course of the past year. One study reports that there was a decline in physical activity during the height of the pandemic, while another discovered that people gained 1.5 pounds for every month they remained in their homes.

This reason combines with a number of other factors – such as the want to impress people we haven’t seen in a while or attain a ‘summer body’ – to push people to the gym. They want to return to the state they were in before the pandemic began, a standard that may be difficult to quickly attain. Our bodies are built for survival, and gaining weight is a part of that. According to the training director of Balance Gym on Capitol Hill, Ali Register, “Our bodies like us fat and lazy. We learned to run to escape danger, not to get fit.”

Despite this fact, many are rushing to return to their pre-pandemic bodies, which may lead many to push themselves too hard. For people who haven’t been able to spend any time in the gym for the past year, this over-exertion could be dangerous and lead to rhabdo. It’s important to note that over-exertion is different for everyone, and conventional exercise can cause the condition as well. For example, one woman had to be hospitalized after a spin class.

To combat this, make sure that you do not push yourself too hard in the gym. Listen to your body. Mottos of “no pain, no gain” aren’t always true, and they can lead to dangerous health conditions in certain cases. Don’t feel pushed by group classes or others in the gym, and don’t feel the need to immediately bounce back to any weight or look. Your body just endured the stress of a global pandemic. It can’t just change right away.

It will take weeks to months to regain strength. It’s unrealistic to expect immediate, substantial results. Treat your body kindly and listen to it. While rhabdo is rare, it’s important to take preventative measures. Besides, these tips can help to prevent other injuries in the gym, too!

About Rhabdo

Rhabdomyolysis, commonly referred to as rhabdo, is a rare condition in which the muscle cells break down and die. When this occurs, they release a toxic protein called myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can then go on to damage the kidneys. In severe cases, rhabdo can lead to kidney failure and death. Multiple factors can lead to this rare condition, such as:

• High-intensity exercise
• Certain medications
• Long periods of inactivity
• Trauma
• Severe overheating or dehydration
• Illegal drugs and alcohol

In addition, the CDC lists a number of risk factors: cocaine, antidepressants, antibiotics, alcohol, statins, certain supplements, methamphetamines, and cold and allergy medications. Sickle cell disease puts those of African American descent at a higher risk of rhabdo, and males also live with a higher risk than females.

Symptoms of rhabdo can range from mild to severe, and they include swollen muscles, soreness, tenderness, weakness, nausea, loss of consciousness, decreased urination, dehydration, and dark and discolored urine. After noting these characteristic symptoms, doctors will order urine and blood tests to diagnose this condition. Treatment consists of an IV of fluids and electrolytes, and hospitalization is common. Recovery may consist of physical therapy, and dialysis may be necessary if there has been kidney damage.

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