How can you prevent muscle breakdown while starting a new workout routine?

As millions of Americans begin exercising more regularly, health experts are warning about the dangers of overexertion.

The CDC projects that 27 million more Americans will become active by 2027 compared to 2020. Doctors say that the increase could lead to more cases of rhabdomyolysis, or “rhabdo,” a rare but serious disease caused by rapid muscle breakdown.

“Rhabdomyolysis is when a muscle breaks down very rapidly, and it leads to a big release of proteins that can be detrimental to the body,” one doctor explained.

Symptoms can include muscle pain, swelling of limbs, dark urine, exhaustion, irregular heart rate, and brain fog. Severe cases can overload the kidneys, leading to organ failure or even death.

Experts say the condition is not limited to exercise. Trauma, infections, drug us