Harmful Health and Fitness

Just like anything else, there are health and fitness fads and trends that come and go. There are a lot of things that people try in order to get healthier and lose weight. And while some of these things are healthy and can be beneficial, too much of something can be detrimental to our health. So, if you are someone who has engaged in some of the following things, or are interested in trying them, that is great, but proceed with caution so you do not turn a healthy behavior into an unhealthy one. 

• Mud and Obstacle Runs
• These can be great for a fun and challenging event to connect with others. However, these are also events that have you performing unfamiliar movements in challenging conditions which increase your risk for serious injuries. So, if you choose to do these types of events, which can be great, be cautious about which events you do and don't be afraid to skip obstacles that make you uncomfortable. 
• Getting 10,000 Steps a Day
• Can this even be an unhealthy habit? Yes, it can be. Many people who begin tracking their steps go from 0 to 100. From no activity to a significant amount. With a high volume of activity also comes poor quality and posture which can lead to injury and stress on your joints. So, if you plan to get more steps in the day, focus on posture first and gradually increase your steps rather than going right to 10,000.
• Cleanses and Detoxes
• In most cases, there is not much benefit from doing a cleanse or a "detox". Many times, these can put your body under more stress than it already is. More times than not, our bodies do not need help detoxifying; our bodies can do amazing things and detox on their own when needed. Rather than trying to force a detox on your body, try cutting out alcohol and junk food instead. 
• Too Much H.I.I.T
• While HIIT is a great workout and can have a lot of benefits, it is not something to do everyday. Your body makes its progress when it is recovering from a hard workout, which cannot happen if you are constantly doing HIIT workouts. Constant breaking down muscles does not allow them to rebuild. Additionally, you want to be able to sustain your workouts for a long period of time, which isn't necessarily feasible with HIIT.
• Fasted Cardio
• When you eat a small amount of carbohydrates and protein before working out, rather than working out on an empty stomach, your workout will be more efficient, effective and enjoyable.