Such an interesting name for a condition, but Rhabdomyolysis is a very serious diagnosis that can take place on one’s fitness journey. Most training modules out there today are trending with high intensity and high volume movements. Program design usually consists of how many reps and how fast the reps. This approach is popular because it’s stimulating with variety and not focused on one type of exercise. Cardio and strength knocked out in the same workout is increasingly popular because we live in society that wants fast results in the least amount of time possible.

But the risks of a killer all-in-one workout may “outweigh” the benefits.

Here’s what can happen:

“Rhabdomyolysis is a very serious condition. It is characterized by the breakdown of muscle tissue that causes the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood. The products that are released from the muscles can be harmful to the kidneys and may lead to kidney damage” (Rhabdomyolysis, Ashmore, Amy, 2015 from Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) .

Workout goers want to feel the burn, leave soaking in sweat, and feel a sense of accomplishment. But overtraining or overexerting yourself is not the remedy for lasting, sustainable results without injury or failure.

In unscientific terms (meaning my own), this condition means that your muscle is breaking down faster than it can repair. One will experience extreme muscle cramps and fatigue, and taking in excess water or electrolytes isn’t enough to assist this problem. We’re talking hooking up to an IV status to hopefully flush the excess protein out of the blood before it reaches the kidneys to cause further damage.

Rhabdomyolysis Symptoms

Symptoms might vary, but mainly, “The ‘classic triad’ of rhabdomyolysis symptoms are:
– muscle pain in the shoulders, thighs, or lower back;
-muscle weakness or trouble moving arms and legs;
– dark red or brown urine or decreased urination”

Problems can arise with the liver, one can develop an irregular heart-beat, and of course kidney damage can occur. If any of the signs or symptoms arise, heading to the doctor is important. From there, “Blood tests for creatine kinase, a product of muscle breakdown, and urine tests for myoglobin, a relative of hemoglobin that is released from damaged muscles, can help diagnose rhabdomyolysis (although in half of people with the condition, the myoglobin test may come up negative)”.

Treatments of Rhabdomyolysis 

Exercise addicts sometimes are not aware of over-doing it. The endorphins of a killer workout are like a drug. Repeated movement patterns put wear and tear on the body. After all, when we are working out we are breaking down muscle fibers and it the repair through hypertrophy that we see later results. However, if the body isn’t given that window of time to repair, the breakdown is continuous.

Incorporating a rest day as well and understanding the pros and cons of what you are doing, are all important understandings you must have when you sign yourself up. Pace yourself, listen to your body, and although it is great to compete with yourself and others, make fitness a lifestyle habit and journey.

Don’t compromise the here and now for the long haul. When a doctor writes a prescription for “No Exercise”, maybe the wake-up call will be too late.  Healthy habits don’t involve a scary diagnosis. Lions and Tiger and Rhabdomyolysis – Oh My!!!!

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As the Guinness World Record’s Oldest Female Body Builder, Ernestine Shepherd exemplifies taking your passion to the next level. At the spry age of 80, she isn’t slowing down one bit. Exercise is the key to her anti-aging lifestyle. Talk about motivation.

It’s Never To Late To Decide

Ernestine wasn’t a gym rat for the majority of her life. In fact, her fitness journey didn’t begin until she was 56. It was a rocky start. Her sister wanted to get Ernestine off the couch and came up with a proposal that they would enter a fitness competition. Thinking this was absolutely crazy, yet intriguing at the same time, Mrs. Shepard rose to the challenge. “She said, ‘What are we going to do, is we are going to become bodybuilders’. ‘What?’ I said. ‘Yes, we are going to become bodybuilders,’ Shepard recalls”. Sadly, her sister passed away following the onset of this adventure, and faithful to her word, Ernestine followed through with the plan.

It’s Never Too Late (No Regrets) Motivational Video by Fearless Motivation – WATCH FREE:

Discipline & Structure

Adhering to a schedule creates the necessary environment for success. We are all given the same 24 hours in a day, but how we prioritize and choose to fill the hours, dictates our lifestyles. This woman wakes up at 2:30am! She is on the go until 10:30pm. Each meal and workout is mapped out, and as a personal trainer, her schedule consists of training clients 10am and 7pm. Balance between on the go and rest is critical, which is an area many of us struggle with. Inspiring others while upholding self-care takes making a “To Do List” and sticking to it.

4 Things It Takes To Get Fit (At Any Age)

According to Ernestine, it takes 4 things to get fit:

1. Eat correctly
2. Drink plenty of water
3. Do some type of strength training
4. Do some king of cardio

And once you starting exercising, she says, “It’s a whole new ball game”.

Fitspiration

Inspiration comes in all forms. Bodybuilding is a true test of self-discipline and dedication. It’s never too late to find new heights and it’s never to late to start your fitness journey. One repetition at a time, work towards becoming the best version of yourself. Our bodies are capable of change, it’s the mind that must propel the endeavor at hand.

Keep Your Promises & Take Responsibility 

Before her sister’s passing, Ernestine made the promise to her that she would follow through with their fitness goal. Accountability is challenging for many. The promises we make to ourselves are often the hardest to keep. The telling others and ourselves what we plan to do is one thing, but the DOING is what counts. Action. If the worst person we let down is ourselves, sometimes it’s easy to just keep hitting the re-set button. In other words, if the alarm goes off at 5am to hit the gym before work, and you choose to hit snooze, only YOU know that the day didn’t start as planned and only YOU know that tomorrow you will try again. Value the sanctity of a promise. Let your reflection in the mirror speak to you. Ernestine’s sister would certainly be proud watching from above.

Check out this amazing human, Ernestine Shepherd on Facebook

The post Ernestine Shepherd – Age Is Merely A Number – It’s Never Too Late To Be Great appeared first on Fearless Motivation - Motivational Videos & Music.