As fitness culture continues to grow in Nigeria, health experts are warning that overexercising can be just as dangerous as not exercising at all. They say excessive training can cause serious health issues such as injuries, collapse, and in extreme cases, even death.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, top physiotherapists in the country urged Nigerians to adopt moderate fitness routines and seek professional advice before starting any workout program.
Professor Rufus Adedoyin, a physiotherapy expert at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife said, “Exercise can be abused just like drugs. We’ve seen cases where people push themselves too hard and end up with serious injuries.”
According to him, too much exercise without proper guidance can result in joint injuries, muscle strains, bone fractures, or even mental burnout.
“Some people experience excessive fatigue, irritability, and pain that doesn’t go away. In rare cases, they may collapse or lose their lives due to exhaustion,” he warned.
Adedoyin recommended that non-athletes should avoid high-intensity training and instead focus on simple, low-impact exercises that can be done consistently.
“High-intensity workouts are best for athletes or people with specific goals. For the average person, moderate exercises are more beneficial in the long run,” he explained.
He also advised people to change their eating habits if they want better fitness results. He said cutting down on sugary drinks and processed foods was just as important as staying physically active.
“Nigerians should avoid certain carbonated drinks and processed foods. Also, sitting down for too long is harmful. We must all find time to move and be active throughout the day,” Adedoyin added.
‘Exercise Should Be Like Medicine – With a Prescription’
Also speaking on the issue, Dr. Chris Okafor, President of the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria, stressed that exercise should never be done blindly. He said people must get medical clearance before starting intense physical activity, especially if they have existing health conditions.
Okafor, who is an Associate Professor of Physiotherapy at the University of Lagos, warned that exercising without checking one’s health status is dangerous.
He said, “If someone with high blood pressure joins a gym and starts doing high-intensity workouts without knowing their health condition, that person is abusing exercise. They may be doing the right thing at the wrong time — with the wrong body.”
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He explained that people with diabetes, hypertension, or heart problems should stick to low- or moderate-intensity workouts, especially if they are not yet on the right medications or treatment.
“Exercise is like medicine — it needs a prescription. Before starting any workout, people should consult a cardiologist to check their heart and lung function. A physiotherapist should then guide them on the best exercises to do,” Okafor advised.
He added that even professional athletes are not immune to the dangers of overexercising.
“We’ve seen people — including trained athletes — collapse and die while playing sports. It often happens because they are not aware of their cardiovascular condition,” he said.
Okafor emphasized that the right kind of exercise must be done at the right time and must target the right muscles. Otherwise, it becomes harmful.
“Doing the wrong exercise or pushing the body beyond its limits is not fitness — it’s abuse,” he said.
Public Health Awareness Urged
Both experts called for increased public education on the safe and healthy ways to exercise. They said that while exercise is important for health, it must be done responsibly and under supervision, especially for people with medical conditions or those just starting out.
They urged Nigerians to speak with medical professionals before jumping into fitness routines seen online or on social media.
“Don’t copy your friends or celebrities. Your body is different. What works for them may harm you,” Okafor cautioned.
As more people take interest in fitness across the country, the message from experts is clear: exercise smart, not hard.
“We want Nigerians to stay fit, but safely. Exercise is good — but too much of it, or the wrong kind, can be dangerous,” Prof. Adedoyin said.