Answer:

Proper gym training offers numerous health benefits and does not harm the kidneys. However, over-exercising, especially in individuals unaccustomed to high-intensity activity or when dehydrated, can lead to rhabdomyolysis. This condition involves the breakdown of muscle cells, releasing substances into the bloodstream, which poses a risk of acute kidney injury if not detected and treated promptly.

When muscles are severely damaged, a large amount of muscle components, including myoglobin protein and creatin kinase (CK) enzyme, are released into the blood. If these concentrations are excessively high, especially without adequate hydration, these substances can directly harm kidney cells and obstruct renal tubules, leading to impaired kidney function or acute kidney injury.

Doctor Linh examines a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Doctor Linh examines a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Not everyone who exercises at the gym experiences this complication. The risk is typically higher for new exercisers who overtrain, abruptly increase intensity or duration, exercise in hot weather, do not hydrate adequately, or use anabolic steroids and unverified muscle-building supplements. Individuals with kidney disease or chronic conditions should also consult a doctor before engaging in high-intensity training.

Muscle soreness after exercise is a common bodily response, but if the pain is severe, prolonged, accompanied by muscle swelling, weakness, dark brown urine, infrequent urination, severe fatigue, or nausea, it could indicate acute rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. Patients should seek medical attention promptly for kidney function tests, urinalysis, muscle enzyme levels, and timely treatment to minimize the risk of complications.

To reduce the risk of kidney damage from gym training, you should gradually increase exercise intensity to allow your body time to adapt, warm up thoroughly before training, and rest adequately. Drink sufficient water before, during, and after physical activity, especially when exercising in hot weather or at high intensity. Avoid pushing your body beyond its limits or self-administering muscle-enhancing steroids and unverified supplements.

Should abnormal symptoms appear, patients must seek early medical examination for timely diagnosis and treatment to protect kidney function and prevent severe complications.

Doctor Ho Manh Linh

Department of Nephrology - Dialysis

Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi