Excessive exercise can be detrimental to health due to various reasons. Overtraining, or overexercising, may lead to:
1. **Increased Injury Risk:** Too much exercise without adequate recovery increases the risk of injuries, such as strains, stress fractures, and joint problems.
2. **Suppressed Immune Function:** Intense and prolonged exercise can temporarily suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
3. **Hormonal Imbalances:** Overtraining can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to issues like irregular menstruation in women and changes in testosterone levels in men.
4. **Mental Health Effects:** Excessive exercise may contribute to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout.
5. **Chronic Fatigue:** Overtraining can result in persistent fatigue, making it difficult for the body to recover properly.
Exercise becomes overexercising when it exceeds an individual's capacity for recovery. Signs include persistent fatigue, decreased performance, disrupted sleep, and mood disturbances. It's essential to balance exercise with proper rest and recovery to maintain a healthy and sustainable fitness routine.