What is the best way to determine whether you are exercising too strenuously? Discuss the various signs of exercise intolerance and how you should respond

Answer 1

The best method to determine whether you are exercising too strenuously is to check your heart rate and make sure it does not exceed the limits of your target zone. Exercising above this target zone may not be safe for unconditioned or high-risk individuals.

Several physical signs will tell you when you are exceeding your functional limitations, i.e., experiencing exercise intolerance. These signs include rapid or irregular heart rate, difficult breathing, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, headache, dizziness, unusually flushed or pale skin, extreme weakness, lack of energy, shakiness, sore muscles, cramps, and tightness in the chest. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention before continuing your exercise program.

Recovery heart rate is another indicator of overexertion. To a certain extent, recovery heart rate is related to fitness level. The higher your cardiorespiratory fitness level, the faster your heart rate decreases following exercise. As a rule, heart rate should be below 120 beats per minute (bpm) five minutes into recovery. If your heart rate is above 120 bpm, you most likely have overexerted yourself or could have some other cardiac abnormality. If you lower the intensity of exercise, the duration of exercise, or both and still have a fast heart rate five minutes into recovery, consult your physician.