When it comes to fitness, pushing limits is often glorified, especially when it comes from celebrities. But Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar is now rewriting that narrative. In a refreshingly honest take, she opened up about how her once-intense gym routines didn't just exhaust her, but also left her body silently suffering.
'Today I workout 20% of what I used to 4 years ago'
In a recent chat with Health Shots, Bhumi shared how her earlier fitness journey revolved around intense workouts and burning as many calories as possible. "When I started my workout journey, I thought the only way to be fit is when you over-exert, and you burn many hundreds of calories in the gym. I used to feel very proud of it," she said.
But with time, her body began to react. "What was actually happening was I was damaging my body because I never gave my body the chance to heal. Due to this, I got a lot of underlying conditions. I don't want to talk about them yet… But one of the biggest things that I changed is that I prioritised not overdoing it. Today I workout 20% of what I used to 4 years ago, and I think I'm my fittest," Bhumi explained.
Vasudha Rai on the hidden dangers of over-training
Bhumi's evolved perspective on fitness came to light when she responded to a viral Instagram post by wellness expert Vasudha Rai on the hidden dangers of over-training.
Rai detailed her own experience, writing, "My workouts used to feel like a battlefield. I wore it like a badge of honour - until my body broke down. Then my skin erupted. My belly grew tight and distended. I didn't just look stress - I was stress... My body wasn't whispering 'Train harder'. She was screaming, 'Be kinder'." To which Bhumi reacted, "I went through exactly this."
Overexercising or a syndrome?
According to UCLA Health, overexercising, also known as overtraining syndrome, happens when the body is pushed too hard without enough rest. It can lead to hormonal imbalances (like elevated cortisol), decreased immunity, constant fatigue, muscle breakdown, and mental health issues like anxiety.
"It's important to give your body time to rest and recover after any intense physical activity, especially if you’re trying to push your limits to get better at a sport or activity. Overtraining syndrome causes physical symptoms, but it can also affect your mental and emotional health," states Cleveland Clinic.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any concerns or questions regarding your health or medical condition.
