Doctors across different specialities, whether physicians, cardiologists or mental health experts, agree on one thing: regular physical activity is essential for good health. Whether it is going to the gym, running, exercising at home or taking part in sports, staying active plays a vital role in overall wellbeing.
However, reports of people suffering serious health events while exercising have left many questioning whether intense workouts can sometimes do more harm than good.
Addressing these concerns, Dr. Naveen Bhamri, Vice Chairman and HOD of Cardiology at Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi, explained that while exercise offers significant health benefits, excessive training may carry certain risks.
In a video shared on Instagram on 17 May, Dr. Bhamri challenged the common belief that more exercise automatically leads to better health.
"More exercise does not always mean better health," he said.
When Can Exercise Become Too Much?
Dr. Bhamri recommends following the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), which advise adults to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise each week to support heart health.
However, he noted that some studies have raised concerns about athletes who engage in extreme endurance training, including marathon runners, and long-distance cyclists.
According to Dr. Bhamri, irregular heart rhythms, particularly a condition known as atrial fibrillation, appear to be more common among some endurance athletes. He also explained that prolonged and excessive cardiovascular exercise may place additional strain on the right side of the heart in certain individuals.
Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored
While emphasising that exercise remains highly beneficial for the general population, Dr. Bhamri advised people to pay attention to symptoms that could indicate an underlying problem.
He highlighted several warning signs that should never be ignored during physical activity, including chest pain, heart palpitations and severe shortness of breath.
"If you experience chest pain, palpitations or significant breathlessness while exercising, stop immediately and seek medical advice," he said.
Dr. Bhamri also pointed out that the risk of sudden cardiac death during exercise is extremely low. However, the risk may be slightly higher in individuals with an undiagnosed heart condition.
Understanding Exercise Intensity
To help people judge whether they are exercising at a moderate intensity, Dr. Bhamri shared a simple rule of thumb.
"During moderate intensity exercise, you should be able to hold a conversation, but you should not be able to sing comfortably," he explained.
Finding the Right Balance
Dr. Bhamri's message serves as an important reminder that regular physical activity remains one of the most effective ways to maintain good health. However, exercise should be approached with balance and awareness.
Listening to your body's signals, recognising warning symptoms and avoiding excessive training can help ensure that physical activity remains both safe and beneficial in the long term.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or before starting a new exercise programme.
