Excessive fitness training may lead to collapse, death – Experts

Idowu AbdullahiAs more Nigerians embrace the benefits of physical activity and fitness regimens, senior healthcare professionals have warned against abusing exercise and overexerting the body.The experts urged fitness enthusiasts to adopt moderate training routines for long-term health and wellness, noting that excessive workouts could lead to severe health complications, including sudden collapse and, in extreme cases, death.They also advised individuals to seek professional guidance to determine appropriate fitness plans instead of self-prescribing intense workout routines.

Prof Rufus AdedoyinSpeaking exclusively to PUNCH Healthwise, a Professor of Physiotherapy at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Rufus Adedoyin, said while regular physical activity is essential for optimal health, it must be approached with caution.He noted that overexercising could result in injuries, muscle strains, frustration and, in rare instances, fatalities.“Exercise can be abused just like drugs.



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.

“They might also experience excessive fatigue, irritability, and mental burnout. In extreme cases, people may lose consciousness due to exhaustion. Overtraining can lead to persistent pain, severe muscle soreness, and in rare cases, sudden collapse or even death,” he warned.

Adedoyin advised gym enthusiasts to adopt moderate routines rather than high-intensity workouts, which are better suited for professional athletes or those with specific fitness goals.“I recommend moderate exercises, especially for people who are not professional athletes.“If you’re not involved in competitive sports, focus on low-impact or moderate-intensity workouts that are sustainable over time.

“High-intensity training is ideal for targeted goals, but for general well-being, moderate routines are the most beneficial,” he said.On lifestyle adjustments that can support better fitness outcomes, the physiotherapy expert encouraged Nigerians to reduce their intake of processed foods and sugary drinks.“One of the most important steps is cutting down on processed and sugary foods.

I won’t mention brand names, but people should avoid certain carbonated and high-sugar drinks.“Another major issue is physical inactivity. Sitting for prolonged periods without movement harms overall health.

People must find ways to stay active throughout the day,” he added.Dr Chris OkaforOn his part, President of the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria, Dr Chris Okafor, said individuals planning to engage in exercise must consult the necessary experts to certify them fit and recommend the most appropriate form of exercise.Okafor, who is an Associate Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, warned that exercise could be abused if done incorrectly.

He explained that it was important for individuals to monitor their cardiopulmonary parameters before engaging in any physical activity.“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 said.Citing an example, the consultant physiotherapist said people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension who engage in high-intensity workouts, instead of low- or moderate-intensity routines, are guilty of exercise abuse.

He said, “At that level, someone with high blood pressure is not advised to do rigorous exercise. Such an individual, without knowing their health status, may go to a gym and join others in high-intensity activities just because their friends are doing it.“I can tell you that person is abusing exercise — they may be doing the right thing, but at the wrong time and with the wrong body.

That body, at that time, does not need intensity. Low- or moderate-intensity exercise is more appropriate. The person probably also needs medication to first bring the blood pressure to a safe level.

”Okafor likened exercise to medicine, stressing that it should come with prescriptions.He said, “Exercises are like medicine — they require prescriptions. That’s why it’s advised that before individuals embark on any exercise, they should seek advice from a cardiologist to evaluate their cardiopulmonary status.

A physiotherapist should then assess and recommend the right form of exercise.“In summary, exercise should be prescribed. It should be recommended based on expert advice and the clearance of the cardiovascular system by a medical doctor.

The doctor must confirm that the patient, individual or athlete is fit to proceed.“Remember, in Nigeria, we’ve had several cases of people slumping or even dying while playing sports. This not only affects people who appear healthy or are non-athletes, even trained athletes collapse, sometimes fatally, perhaps because they are not in tune with their cardiovascular figures.

“People must do the right exercises at the right time and target the right muscles. If the right exercise is done at the wrong time or targets the wrong muscle groups, that too is abuse.” Copyright PUNCHAll rights reserved.

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