Exercise caution.
Your competitive spin class could be setting the wheels in motion for a serious health issue that’s become increasingly common.
In the worst cases, it can lead to severe kidney damage and even kidney failure — and it requires a trip to the hospital to treat.
Rhabdomyolysis, often shortened to rhabdo, is a condition in which your muscles get damaged and break down, which can lead to muscle death.
That muscle death releases toxins into the body, which can cause kidney damage.
There are lots of potential causes, including medications like statins, antidepressants and antivirals. It can also happen as a result to dehydration and overheating, drug abuse, certain underlying medical conditions, injury or trauma.
But becoming more common is exertional rhabdo, which is caused by high-intensity exercise like marathons, CrossFit and yes, spinning. It’s especially a threat for people attempting these tough workouts with inadequate training, or those who push themselves too hard.
And spinning might just be the worst culprit. One 2021 study found that people who suffered exertional rhabdo caused by spinning actually had more severe cases than those who had exertional rhabdo from other causes.
The study authors also noted that the condition predominantly strikes young, healthy women — and wanting to keep up with your fellow SoulCyclers could be increasing your risk.
“While participants in a class are allowed to tailor the level of intensity, cadence and resistance to their fitness level, it is easy to succumb to peer pressure and overexert during the activity,” they wrote.
“Those who are unaccustomed to high-intensity exercise are the most at risk for developing spinning-induced exertional rhabdomyolysis.”
Top symptoms to look out for are the “classic triad” of muscle pain, muscle weakness and dark urine the color of tea or cola.
But not everyone gets all three symptoms — in fact, only about 10% of people with rhabdo only experience one or two, according to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Other potential symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, malaise, dehydration, infrequent urination, confusion and loss of consciousness.
If you suspect you might have rhabdo, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Treatment involves IV fluids, which can stop the condition from progressing to severe kidney damage. When that happens, patients might need to go on dialysis.
The authors of the 2021 study recommend that if you do spin class, make sure to properly hydrate, avoid any medications or supplements that can increase your risk, and gradually build up exercise volume and intensity.
