Those who got rhabdomyolysis from intense exercises know that they should have done exercise in moderation. This report shows that people who jump right into a spin class with no experience can get rhabdomyolysis.
What is rhabdomyolysis?
Rhabdomyolysis means a breakdown of muscle tissue. It is a painful muscle disease where the muscle is swollen. After overuse of the muscles the muscle breaks down, swells and releases myoglobin into the bloodstream. Following an unaccustomed spin cycle class soreness and swelling of the thigh muscles develops. There may also be nausea and it may be impossible to bend the knees. It is important to seek medical advice early about this condition. With an early detection blood tests can determine how much myoglobin is leaking from the injured muscles. Intravenous fluids can flush out toxins that leak from the muscle and contribute to muscle swelling. If there is too much release of myoglobin, the result can be kidney damage, which in severe cases requires dialysis.
Spin classes can lead to rhabdomyolysis
Dr. Maureen Brogan is an associate professor of medicine at New York Medical College. She is also a nephrologist at Westchester Medical Center. She published a study about rhabdomyolysis.
In it she points out that it is the inexperienced that start a spin class and get into trouble. They can develop rhabdomyolysis within one day following their first spin class. The key is to go slow with any new and strenuous exercise. Even experienced athletes can develop rhabdomyolysis, if they suddenly overuse muscles that are not trained. The key is to exercise in moderation.
Dr. Brogan says that rhabdomyolysis can occur in both men and women and at any age.
Prevention of rhabdomyolysis
The key in any sport is to go slow and gradually increase your exercise level within your own tolerance level. If you develop muscle pains, stop what you are doing and drink lots of water. You may want to rest for a day and see how you feel. If you are in doubt, seek the advice of a health professional.
Exercise In Moderation
Conclusion
When it comes to exercising, it is best to slowly ease yourself into it. This is especially true for those who have been leading physically inactive lives. But starting an exercise of a muscle area that has not been trained previously should also be done on a gradual basis. It does not matter, what exercise program people choose. The same facts are true for walking on a treadmill, using an elliptical or a stair master; it’s also true for starting with weight machines. Always start at a low setting and increase your load gradually over time. Those who want to get into spin cycling machines should tell their instructor that they are inexperienced. They need to slowly increase their speed and resistance. Always feel your muscles. Are they painful? Then stop what you are doing. Muscle aches are not a sign that your exercise level is “good”. Pain is a red flag signal, and rhabdomyolysis is not something you want to get; it is something to avoid.
