High-Intensity Interval Training or HIIT has become fitness’s darling for its efficiency: short sessions, intense output, and real results. You burn fat fast, build strength, and maybe even get a runner’s high without logging miles. Still, that thrill can hide a dilemma: doing HIIT every day may do more harm than good. Even as it offers potency, it also pumps up cortisol—the stress hormone—and that’s where things start to tilt.

According to fitness experts, high-intensity workouts trigger cortisol, elevating heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. That’s fine in controlled bursts—it’s how HIIT pushes your body to adapt. But if your training cadence is relentless and stress from life piles on (say, the pandemic years), your body stays locked in fight-or-flight mode. What feels productive could quietly erode your metabolism, immunity, mood—and long-term health.

HIIT—high-intensity interval training—delivers power-packed bursts of effort, short recovery, and tangible results. You get calories burned, stamina boosted, and even mental focus sharpened in less time than traditional workouts but push too hard, too often, and your body begins to push back. Daily HIIT can shift from performance enhancer to internal stressor, if you're not careful.

Heart

HIIT is exceptional at improving cardiovascular efficiency. Studies consistently show gains in VO₂ max, improved blood vessel flexibility, and better insulin sensitivity—even more so than with steady-state cardio. HIIT reduces resting blood pressure and strengthens the heart’s pump function but when the heart is taxed day after day without rest, it can get overworked—especially if you already have an underlying condition. Overdoing it may result in undue stress on the heart, making symptoms like dizziness or chest tightness warning signs, not badges of dedication.

Metabolism

One of HIIT's biggest draws is the metabolic afterburn—or EPOC: your body brûle calories long after you've wiped the sweat away. It’s efficient, effective, and time-friendly. In studies, HIIT matches or surpasses moderate-intensity exercise in fat loss, waist reduction, and insulin sensitivity.³¹ But metabolic stress isn’t just positive. Without proper recovery, the gains plateau or reverse, especially if cortisol stays elevated.

Hormones and Cortisol

When you push your lungs and heart hard, your body ramps up cortisol—the fight-or-flight hormone. Short-term, that's fine but on a daily back-to-back schedule, cortisol becomes chronic. That’s when fatigue, irritability, sleep disruption, weight gain, and even immune suppression show up. Long-term HIIT without recovery doesn't just train your body—it stresses it.

Immunity Takes a Beating

Moderate exercise can boost your defences but constant high-intensity training changes the game- your immune system flags, white cells dip, and healing slows. In research and fitness communities, daily HIIT is linked to more colds, longer recovery, and increased inflammatory markers. That kind of vulnerability is a clear red flag.

Muscles, Joints and High-Impact Risk

Many HIIT workouts involve jumps, sprints, and explosive movements—all great for power, even better for injury risk. Your knees, ankles, shoulders, and back become targets if fatigue or poor form sets in. Routine high-impact HIIT plus weak stabilizers is a recipe for sprains or tendon issues. Recovery days—and movement diversity—are essential damage control.

Cellular and Mental Benefits

When used wisely, HIIT stimulates mitochondrial growth, boosting your cellular energy power. It sharpens cognitive function, supports mood, and improves overall endurance. But this adaptation happens in the recovery phase—not in the push. Without rest, your cells don’t strengthen—they stall.

Safe Way to Do HIIT Workouts

HIIT is one of the most effective training methods out there—it boosts endurance, burns fat, and saves time. But doing it daily without allowing your body to recover? That’s where it starts to backfire.

Pushing through fatigue may feel like dedication, but overtraining from constant HIIT can leave you sore, exhausted, and more prone to injury. Your muscles, joints, and immune system all need time to bounce back. And if they don’t get it, your performance declines—even if you’re working harder than ever.

Your body doesn’t get stronger during workouts; it gets stronger during rest. Recovery is when your muscles repair, your nervous system resets, and your gains actually lock in.

If you’re serious about results, treat recovery as part of the plan, not an afterthought. Two to three HIIT sessions per week, paired with rest or lower-impact training like strength, walking, or yoga, is more than enough for long-term progress. Listen to your body—fatigue, soreness, and poor sleep are signs you may be overdoing it.

Consistency is key, but so is knowing when to hit pause. That’s the real secret to sustainable strength.

Experts universally recommend 2–3 HIIT sessions per week—no more—with at least 24–48 hours between for recovery. That leaves room for walking, strength, flexibility, or restorative movement while giving your body time to adapt. Smart training means crafting a fitness week, not just firing off daily sprints.

HIIT works when you let it. Daily abuse wears you down. For lasting strength, resilience, and mental clarity, couple your intense interval sessions with recovery, variety, and respect. The gains you get may be invisible by the minute, but over time, they shape a fitter, stronger you.

The fast-paced lives of women today, whether it’s school exams, college projects, work deadlines, or managing countless household chores can cause significant stress, leaving both the body and mind drained. Prolonged stress isn’t just exhausting, it can also affect physical health, mental well-being, and hormonal balance, which in turn can disrupt one of the key functions of the female body, which is the menstrual cycle.

Can Stress Disrupt Your Menstrual Cycle?

Medically known as menstruation, the menstrual cycle involves shedding the uterine lining (endometrium) through vaginal bleeding. Typically, cycles occur every 28 days, though slight variations are normal. However, gynecologists in India and across the globe are seeing an increasing number of women reporting irregular periods, a trend that is cause for concern.

Irregular cycles are generally defined as those occurring after gaps of more than 35 days or when the timing varies unpredictably each month. While irregular periods are common during teenage puberty or around menopause for women over 45, they can signal underlying issues in women in their twenties and thirties, requiring proper medical attention.

Other Factors That Can Lead To Irregular Menstrual Cycle

Beyond stress, other factors contributing to irregular periods include sudden weight changes, excessive exercise, emotional challenges, medication side effects, and chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. Timely medical care is essential because irregular cycles can sometimes indicate serious conditions, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or even cervical cancer. Symptoms often include heavy bleeding, spotting between periods, post-intercourse bleeding, menstrual bleeding in menopause, severe abdominal cramps, and extreme fatigue.

While medications and supplements can help balance hormones, Yoga, a centuries-old natural practice can complement medical treatment by promoting overall reproductive health and helping regulate menstrual cycles. Yoga combines stationary postures, stretching movements, and controlled breathing to reduce stress, relax the body, calm the mind, and support reproductive function. Below are some effective yoga poses to help regulate your cycle and enhance women’s health.

Yoga for Irregular Periods

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Lie flat on your back with arms under your hips, elbows close to the waist. Bend your legs into a cross-legged position with knees and thighs touching the floor. Inhale and gently lift your upper body and the back of your head, hold for a few breaths, then exhale and relax.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Lie face down with feet slightly apart and arms by your sides. Bend your legs and hold your ankles, lifting your chest and legs off the floor while inhaling. Hold as long as comfortable, then slowly lower back down.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)

Start on all fours, hands straight and head facing forward, knees bent, feet on the floor. Exhale and lift your hips, straightening your arms and forming a V-shape. Hold for a few breaths, then return to the starting position.

Malasana (Garland Pose)

Squat on the floor with heels flat, thighs wide, and feet close together. Exhale and fold forward, placing your torso between the thighs. Bring elbows to the inner thighs, applying gentle pressure, lift heels slightly, then return to a relaxed squat.

Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Kneel with heels flat, hands on hips, keeping knees and shoulders aligned. Inhale and arch your back, holding your feet for balance. Stay for about a minute, then return slowly to upright. Alongside professional care, medications, and a healthy diet, daily yoga and meditation can help regulate menstrual cycles.

Stress, whether physical, mental, or emotional, can trigger irregular periods. Work pressure, household responsibilities, or personal challenges may create tension, anxiety, or panic, disrupting hormonal balance. Doctors advise women to step back from stressful situations, practice deep breathing, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep to restore calm and support healthy menstrual cycles.

Pickleball and padel, a sport that has gained momentum across India, is changing everyone's lives and helping people stay fit and active. However, while the game has gained many enthusiasts, fitness experts are also warning that enthusiasm without preparation can come at a cost. As many are reporting sports-related injuries, especially while playing pickleball. Luke Coutinho, lifestyle guru and holistic wellness expert in his Instagram video claims that he has seen a surge in knee, elbow, and lower back injuries linked to the sport.

“Pickle and paddle are two of the fastest-growing sports across our country right now, great for longevity, hand-eye coordination, and overall fitness,” says Coutinho. “But what’s equally important is knowing how to look after your knees, glutes, and elbows.”

Also Read: The Ozempic 'Trick' Could Cause More Harm For Non-Diabetic And Fit People, According To Doctors

According to him, just five minutes of targeted warm-up can dramatically lower the risk of injury. Here are the eight quick exercises Coutinho recommends before every game.

Wall Sit Toe Raises

You can start this exercise by leaning against a wall, sliding down until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Imagine as if you are sitting on an invisible chair. Keep your back as flat as you can against the wall. Coutinho says that this will "protect your knees and prevent shin splints."

How to do it:

• Hold this position and lift your toes upward while keeping your heels on the ground.
• Lower them back down slowly.

Why it helps: Strengthens the muscles in your shins and stabilizes the knees, helping prevent shin splints and knee strain.

Wall Sit Calf Raises

Coutinho suggests that you can follow up by this exercise. You can start from the same wall-sit position. This variation focuses on the calves and ankles.

Also Read: Not Just Respiratory Diseases, Air Pollution Can Also Trigger Rheumatoid Arthritis, According To Doctors

How to do it:

• Keep your back flat against the wall, feet shoulder-width apart.
• Lift your heels up as high as possible, balancing on your toes.
• Slowly lower and repeat.

Why it helps: Builds ankle strength and lower leg stability, Coutinho suggests that it is the key for all those quick lateral pickleball movements.

Wall Knee Extensions

• Stay in the wall sit and extend one leg straight out in front of you.
• Hold for two seconds, then switch legs.

"It engages your quadriceps and enhances knee stability, reducing the risk of ligament tears," he points out.

Dynamic Lunges with Overhead Reach

While lunges are a great way to ensure mobility and flexibility, a little bit of modification could lead to a full-body stretch, along with balance training.

How to do it:

• Step forward into a lunge, keeping your front knee above your ankle.
• Raise both arms overhead as you lower your body.
• Push back to starting position and switch sides.

Why it helps: Opens your hips and chest while activating major leg muscles, prepping your core for rotational movements during play.

Mini Band Side Walks

How to do it:

• Place a resistance band just above your knees.
• Bend slightly at your hips and knees, then step sideways.
• Take 10 steps in one direction, then back.

Why it helps: Strengthens the glutes and prevents the knees from collapsing inward during sudden lateral shifts.

High Knees

This is probably the easiest, and one of the most common exercises anyone will encounter, especially while playing sports. It is a great way to warm up or cool down your body after a strenuous workout.

How to do it:

• Start by jogging in place, and bring your knees high, towards your chest.

Why it helps: It improves agility, coordination, and cardiovascular readiness before fast-paced rallies.

Knee Side Raises

How to do it:

• Stand upright, lift one knee out to the side, hold briefly, and lower it down.
• Repeat on the other side.

Why it helps: Builds lateral hip strength and enhances balance, crucial for sidesteps and quick turns.

Kickbacks

How to do it:

• Stand tall, kick one leg straight back without arching your back.
• Engage your glutes and hamstrings as you lift.

Why it helps: Activates the glutes and hamstrings, adding power to your movements and reducing lower back strain.

“Do 10 reps on each side, and you’re game-ready, explosive and injury-proof,” Coutinho says. “Looking after your health to prevent injury is the first step toward holistic wellness and longevity.” As he rightly says, "These warm-ups aren't optional, they are essential."

Ever since fat loss jabs hit the market, including Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, gym enthusiasts and slim people are also turning to these popular weight loss drugs to enhance their physique. However, experts are sounding the alarm - they are warning that for those without obesity or diabetes, the risks outweigh the rewards.

The Rise of 'Fit' People Using Fat-burning Jabs

People who are already leading active lives are also reaching out for medications designed for obese people, especially those who want to crash diets before holidays, body builders and gym regulars. They have said that these drugs have helped them shed the "last few pounds" and sculpt leaner physiques easily.

The Sun reported that in bodybuilding, the phase of losing fat to highlight muscle definition is called "cutting". For some, GLP-1 drugs have become the shortcut to achieve that. However, UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned against using these jabs for the same.

Doctors have time and again cautioned against its use for non diabetic or obese persons, and highlighted side effects like nausea, fatigue, dehydration, and muscle loss.

Read: How To Identify A Counterfeit Ozempic? Look For These Signs, Details Inside

It Is Not A Shortcut

Dr Amos Ogunkoya, GP and sports medicine specialist, says and is as reported by The Sun, “Using weight-loss jabs when you already have low body fat is not a good idea. These medications slow digestion and suppress appetite, which can quickly lead to dehydration, fatigue, or even muscle loss in people with low energy reserves.”

He adds that extreme calorie restriction combined with low fat stores may trigger hormonal imbalances, depression, and anxiety. “In short, it’s not a shortcut, it’s a risk,” he warns.

Experts are also worried about the trend, which may have a log lasting impact on vulnerable people, especially those living with eating disorder. Dr Donald Grant, Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, as reported by The Sun, says many fitness enthusiasts are mixing GLP-1 drugs with performance-enhancing substances and restrictive diets, a combination with unknown risks.

“These medications were never designed for lean athletes and haven’t been studied in this group,” he says. “The long-term side effects in this population remain largely unknown.”

So, Why Are Fitness Buffs Doing It?

For some, it is about control. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist family that help people with diabetes manage blood sugar by suppressing appetite and slowing stomach emptying. This side effect can make even the most disciplined eaters feel perpetually full.

Competitive bodybuilder Dr Michael Israetel, who holds a PhD in Sports Science, told Sun Health: “I wouldn’t diet without it. It helped me stay lean with less hunger and better sleep, same results, but in less time and with far less stress.”

He described how even small meals became a challenge: “I’d start eating already half-full. After a few protein bars, I was just done, no cravings. It was a total game-changer.”

Read More: Ozempic Soon To Be Launched In India, Here's All That You Should Know About This Weight Loss Drug

Micro-dosing Weight-loss Drugs

Some clinics are now offering microdosing of these popular weight loss drugs to be given in smaller doses than standard prescription for those who want to attain that 'little bit more' to be fit.

Dr Omar Babar, from Headland Clinic in Leicester tells The Sun, “Microdosing is very useful for gym goers. It cuts out food noise and has a low side-effect profile.”

Most weight-loss patients start at 2.5 mg doses that increase gradually, but many fitness users start as low as 0.25 mg. Experts, however, strongly caution against adjusting doses without medical supervision.

While in theory the access of drugs are tightly controlled, as the NHS recommends only those with a BMI 30 or higher and at least one health condition to receive it. Privately, the threshold is much lower, with some clinics being accused of exploiting loopholes that makes it easy for anyone to qualify to get those jabs.

Dr Grant says, “The biggest concern is people obtaining the medication illegally, via black-market sites, social media sellers, or using someone else’s prescription. Without GP supervision, dosing can become inconsistent and extremely dangerous.”

What Are The Side Effects Of Fat Loss Jabs On Healthy People

• Muscle Loss: Muscle loss could be one of the biggest risk. Dr Ogunkoa suggests that "muscle wastage is dangerous. It reduces strength, endurance, and overall metabolism. If you have got little fat to lose, your body will start consuming muscle instead."

Athletes using these jabs risk developing Relative Energy Deficiency (RED), a condition caused by insufficient calorie intake to meet exercise demands. This can disrupt hormones, lower bone density, and even halt menstruation in women.

• Stomach Strain: Common side effects of GLP-1 drugs include vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation — symptoms that can interfere with intense training.

“In severe cases, users may develop gastroparesis, where the stomach can’t move food efficiently,” warns Dr Ogunkoya. “It’s especially concerning for endurance athletes who rely on quick digestion and steady energy.”

• Dizziness, Seizures, Sugar Crashes: Feeling dizzy or faint is another red flag. Because the drug suppresses hunger, athletes may fail to refuel properly, leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

• Serious Health Risks: gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, acute kidney injury.