Gymming should be fun, not fatal

Docs warn against extreme fitness routines, especially for beginners

- SREYA DEB

AS GYM AND fitness culture continues to rise, promoted endlessly by social media, doctors warn that over exertion in the gym, or even gymming without the right know-how, may lead to irreversible health complications. “The gym is a dangerous environment with machines and weights, especially if one is not well versed with the right way to use the equipment,’ says Dr Ramneek Mahajan, chairman-orthopaedics, joint replacement and chief robotic joint replacement, Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi.

Myth: Overexertion equals results

“People think that overexertion (in the gym) can help them achieve washboard flat abs and six packs within a short period of time,” says Dr Mahajan, saying that the crash diets and 2-3 hour gym routines popularised by social media only serve to encourage this misunderstanding. Vaibhav Daga, consultant, sports medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, agrees.“The popular fitness mantra ‘No pain, no gain’wrongly convinces people that discomfort equals progress,” says Daga, adding, “Many also equate excessive sweating with fat loss, though sweat is simply a cooling mechanism.”

Daga goes on to say that social media intensifies the problem. “Fitness influencers highlight extreme transformations, often without showing the injuries, dietary compromises, or medical complications behind the scenes. This creates unrealistic expectations and pressures people to push beyond safe limits.” He adds, “Overexertion in the gym can harm both the body and mind.”

Dr Mahajan, speaking of the patients he observes, “In the quest of social validation, over exertion in the gym and unwarranted nutritional supplementations lead to multitude of problems, including renal failure and increased incidence of muscle tears. It is a common incidence among the younger generations as a part of the fad culture.”

Risks of overgymming