Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and fasting, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up exercise. However, with long hours of fasting and changes in meal timing, it’s crucial to adjust workouts to suit your body’s needs. Exercising too intensely, especially while fasting, can lead to serious health risks, including dehydration, dizziness, and even rare but potentially fatal conditions.

The tragic case of Australian MMA fighter Jake Sendler serves as a reminder of the dangers of overexertion. The 21-year-old collapsed in the ring during a match in Melbourne on March 3 and succumbed to complications ten days later. His death has been linked to excessive physical stress. 

It was later revealed that Sendler was suffering from rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscle fibres break down due to extreme overexertion, an underlying health issue, or physical trauma.

While this extreme case highlights the risks of pushing the body too far, it’s especially important during Ramadan to strike a balance between staying fit and prioritising health. Choosing low-intensity workouts, staying hydrated after Iftar, and listening to your body can help prevent dangerous consequences while keeping you active during the holy month.

What is Rhabdomyolysis?

Rhabdomyolysis, often called “rhabdo,” occurs when extreme physical exertion causes muscle tissue to break down rapidly, releasing harmful toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure, heart complications, and even death. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weakness, dark-coloured urine, and extreme fatigue — many of which can be mistaken for common workout soreness or dehydration.

In Sendler’s case, he initially dismissed his symptoms, believing them to be part of the usual strains of his intense training regimen. However, his condition worsened, requiring multiple surgeries and blood transfusions before he ultimately passed away on March 13.

Risks of Extreme Training

Dehydration and excessive exertion are significant risk factors for rhabdomyolysis. When the body is pushed beyond its limits, muscles become deprived of oxygen and nutrients, leading to cell breakdown. In severe cases, it triggers widespread organ failure.

Recognise Warning Signs

Many fitness enthusiasts unknowingly put themselves at risk of rhabdomyolysis. Overexertion, particularly in high-intensity training programs such as CrossFit, ultra-marathons, and MMA, can push muscles to the point of collapse. The key to prevention is awareness and early intervention.

Critical warning signs to watch for:

• Unusual muscle pain or swelling that persists beyond typical post-workout soreness.
• Dark, tea-coloured urine — a telltale sign that muscle proteins are overwhelming the kidneys.
• Extreme fatigue and confusion that extend beyond normal exhaustion.
• Decreased or no urination, indicating possible kidney failure.

If any of these symptoms occur after intense exercise, immediate medical attention is crucial. Treatment often involves intravenous fluids to flush toxins from the system and, in severe cases, dialysis or surgical intervention.

Dangers of dropping weight quickly

Sendler’s death has also reignited discussions about the dangers of extreme weight-cutting in sports. While dropping weight quickly before a bout fr fighters is a common practice, medical experts warn that it can have deadly consequences, including dehydration, heat stroke, and rhabdomyolysis.

Striking a Balance in Fitness

Exercise is vital for good health, but overdoing it can be dangerous. Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and trainers must recognise that more is not always better. Proper hydration, adequate recovery time, and listening to one’s body are essential to preventing overtraining injuries and conditions like rhabdomyolysis.

(Source: Agencies)