US Edition‘Extreme’ Workouts Drive Spike in ‘Rhabdo’ Cases Among Young N.L. Women, Says Doctor
About 20 cases of exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis occurred in six months, mainly affecting women aged 19 to 30 due to intense workouts driven by social media, health officials said.
- On March 19, 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services said about 20 rhabdomyolysis cases were confirmed in the eastern part of the province since Oct. 1.
- Amid social-media 'flexing', a physician with the province's health authority said pressure to 'flex' is fueling extreme workouts like multiple spin classes, landing people in hospital emergency rooms.
- Barter noted, "The cases that we've seen have been exclusively exertional rhabdomyolysis, and this is when a person takes their physical workouts to an extreme level," and one doctor said they've seen seven cases in the last five months.
- The health authority urged residents in the eastern zone to stay hydrated, avoid overworking muscles, allow recovery time, and consult exercise consultants or gyms and clubs if concerned.
- Data limitations: adult hospitals in the eastern zone treat patients over 18, and the children's hospital in St. John's has not been checked for similar trends.
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11 Articles
'Extreme' workouts drive spike in 'rhabdo' cases among young N.L. women, says doctor
Intense workouts and social media pressure are driving a spike in rhabdomyolysis cases in young women in Newfoundland and Labrador, a physician with the province's health authority said Thursday.
The Toronto Star
‘Extreme’ workouts drive spike in ‘rhabdo’ cases among young N.L. women, says doctor
ST. JOHN'S - Intense workouts and social media pressure are driving a spike in rhabdomyolysis cases in young women in Newfoundland and Labrador, a physician with the province's health authority
Health authorities in Newfoundland and Labrador have issued a public warning regarding a worrying number of cases of rhabdomyolysis due to intense physical activity.
NL Health Services reports increase in Rhabdomyolysis and encourages safe exercise practices - NTV: Newfoundland and Labrador's Most Trusted News Source
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is advising the public of an increase of cases of rhabdomyolysis and encourages individuals to follow safe exercise practices, including not overexercising, to help prevent this condition. Since Oct. 1, there have been approximately 60 cases related to intense exercise seen in the Eastern-Urban Zone. What is rhabdomyolysis? Rhabdomyolysis, often referred to as rhabdo, occurs when muscle tissue gets …
Health Authority Reporting Increase in Exercise-Induced Illness
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is reporting an increase in cases of exercise-induced illness. Rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo, is caused by intense exercise. Overexertion can cause muscle cells to leak into the bloodstream which can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal if not treated. NL Health Services is reporting 20 cases of the condition in the eastern-urban zone since October 1. Symptoms include severe muscle pain, weak or swollen m…
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