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Bodybuilding is supposed to break down muscle so the body can rebuild it bigger and stronger. But there is a point where breaking down muscle goes too far. That is where rhabdomyolysis comes into the conversation.<\/p>\n
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition involving the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and the release of muscle-cell contents into the bloodstream. Those contents include creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin, and in severe cases, the condition can contribute to acute kidney injury.<\/p>\n
And yes, bodybuilders can develop rhabdomyolysis.<\/p>\n
In fact, published case reports and athlete studies have documented it following weightlifting and bodybuilding workouts.<\/p>\n
In this article, we\u2019re going to break down what rhabdomyolysis is, why bodybuilders can develop it, and the signs to look for.<\/p>\n
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new dietary supplements into your current regimen.<\/em><\/p>\n Think about what happens during a hard workout. You create mechanical stress on the muscle. You fatigue the muscle. You create damage that the body then has to repair.<\/p>\n That\u2019s part of the process.<\/p>\n Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle damage becomes excessive enough that muscle cells break down and release their contents into the bloodstream.<\/p>\n Myoglobin is particularly concerning because it is filtered by the kidneys and, in high concentrations, can contribute to kidney damage.<\/p>\n This isn\u2019t simply being sore after leg day and feeling like you\u2019re crippled.<\/p>\n Rhabdomyolysis can involve severe muscle pain, weakness, swelling, dark or cola-colored urine, and dramatically elevated CK levels. However, not every person will experience every classic symptom.<\/p>\n It\u2019s fair to say that no one wants to suffer from rhabdomyolysis. So, what is the reason or cause for it in the first place?<\/p>\n One of the biggest problems is doing too much, too quickly.<\/p>\n A published case report<\/a> described a 46-year-old man who performed four to six hours of bodybuilding exercise per day for five consecutive days. He wasn\u2019t previously active in any sports or exercise.<\/p>\n What happened was that he developed muscle aches after the first day but continued training. After the final day, he developed extreme fatigue and stopped producing urine. His CK eventually reached 208,274 U\/L, and he required hemodialysis because of acute kidney failure.<\/p>\n That\u2019s not hardcore. That\u2019s excessive.<\/p>\n There is a difference between pushing yourself and putting your body into a situation where the consequences can become life-threatening.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s another point bodybuilders need to understand. You don\u2019t have to be a beginner to develop rhabdomyolysis. You can be an experienced athlete who suddenly performs an exercise, intensity, volume, or training style that your body isn\u2019t accustomed to handling.<\/p>\n One case involved an exercise physiology professor and athlete who developed rhabdomyolysis after returning to high-intensity resistance training following a period of detraining<\/a>.<\/p>\n His workout consisted of 48 total sets of push-ups and chin-ups with no rest between sets.<\/p>\n Two days later, he developed cola-colored urine and had a CK level of 59,159 U\/L.<\/p>\n That\u2019s a pretty good example of why \u201cI\u2019m in shape\u201d doesn\u2019t make someone immune to rhabdo.<\/p>\n This is where things get interesting.<\/p>\nWhat is Rhabdomyolysis?<\/h2>\n
Why Do Bodybuilders Get Rhabdomyolysis?<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 Excessive Training Volume<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 Unaccustomed Exercise<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 Even Low-Intensity Bodybuilding Can Cause It<\/h3>\n