Rhabdomyolysis Exercise

Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid breakdown of skeletal muscle due to muscle tissue injury. Although the muscle damage can be caused by a variety of factors, the results can be fatal. The damaged muscle cells are released into the bloodstream and can cause acute kidney failure. Emergency medical treatment is necessary.

  1. Prevention

    • To prevent exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis, use caution when increasing your exercise routine. According to the University of Michigan Health System website, a good rule of thumb is to increase incrementally but not more than 10 percent a week. For example, if you normally run 10 miles a week, do not run more than 11. If you normally bench press 200 pounds, do not attempt to lift more than 220. And if you normally do 100 situps, do not attempt more than 110.

      If it is hot and humid out, you'll want to take even more precautions. Also, make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

      If you have any of the symptoms of rhabdomyolysis (such as weakness, severe muscle pain with swelling or dark urine) get to an emergency room as soon as possible.

      Although professional organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association have described rhabdomyolysis as a condition that correlates with heat, humidity, dehydration, long sessions and exhaustion, organizations such as Crossfit have seen a different kind of rhabdomyolysis correlative with short (20-minute or less) workouts with high intensity when their clients have previously only experienced low-intensity workouts with lower power output.

      Take caution before you start a new workout regimen. A good idea is to learn all of the moves you will be expected to perform slowly, with little or no weight, before you increase the difficulty.

    Exercise After Rhabdo

    • If you have already been hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, this does not mean you won't eventually be able to do the types of workouts that you want if you take precautions. According to Crossfit founder Greg Glassman, the client who got rhabdo the worst is now able to do the same workout that previously almost killed him. The way to get there is the same as the prevention modality. First, you need to make sure that you absolutely have correct form on any movements that you will be performing with weight or at a fast speed. You may wish to hire a personal trainer just to go over basic form for any exercises you wish to perform. Next, you must exercise caution when starting this routine. Do not go for heavy weight or speed at first. Start with a very low weight and/or very slow speed for perfect form. Only after you have been doing this for several weeks can you slowly increase weight and speed incrementally, no more than 10 percent each week. Over time, you will gain speed and strength.