How much is too much exercise?

[lilmonkey]

I was just wondering how much is too much exercise for a woman of 22 that is already reasonably fit?

My mum thinks the amount of exercise I've been doing over the summer is excessive, but her idea of too much exercise is changing TV channels twice in one day! She's worried because there is a history of eating disorders in my family, but I'm not trying to lose weight, just maintain my current weight and level of fitness. I play a lot of sport at uni so I don't want to sit around watching TV until term starts then find I need to spend ages getting fit again!

My daily plan is to do an exercise DVD (alternating between 3) 2x 1 hour sessions of jogging/walking with the dog, plus some toning exercises with free weights every other day.

I do have days off to recover/if I really can't be bothered, so It's not like I'm obsessed! Would you say that's too much?

[lozzzz]

That sounds fine to me for your age,but Im no expert,when I was in my early 20's I did a similar rountine,although the walking was an hour bike ride,(plus a physical full time job)I always had 1 day off a week,and didn't do it if I felt unwell or run down.

I'm 36 now and keep in shape with 2 4 mile dog walks a day but I definately think the exercise I did back then has ennabled me to remain fit and I still have the muscle tone I built up then.

Im sure if you eat a regular  healthy diet and get plenty of rest too it would be ok.It didn't appear to harm me.

[Kingaroo]

Not sure I read clearly -- did you say one DVD workout (I'm guessing 30 minutes?) and two one-hour walks? That seems plenty but not excessive.

If you are aware of eating disorders in your family and can judge yourself objectively without getting defensive or angry, then you are probably okay. Warning signs (I"m no expert, just using common sense):

Losing more than a few pounds a month for more than a few months
Bulemia (making yourself vomit)
Letting concerns about fitness or looks overwhelm other social outlets, hobbies or interests
Getting angry at yourself for not working out hard enough

[jimmy654]

Since she's primarily worried about you having an eating disorder she can read about the ramifications of too much exercise in regards to an eating disorder.
http://www.eatingdisordersonline.com/recovery/ healthyexercise.php