Student Hospitalized After Extreme Leg Workout
A 23-year-old university student in China's Henan province developed acute kidney failure and required emergency dialysis after pushing himself through an extremely intense leg workout, according to the South China Morning Post. What began as an ambitious attempt to build muscle quickly turned into a medical emergency, sparking discussions about the dangers of overtraining.
The student, whose name was not disclosed, was admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine. His nephrologist, Liu Haofei, reported that the patient was “trying too hard” in his leg training, which led to rhabdomyolysis. Initially, he noticed blood in his urine, then stopped urinating entirely. By the time he reached the hospital, he could not walk on his own.
Creatine Kinase Levels Skyrocketed
According to Liu, the student's creatine kinase level, an indicator of muscle damage, exceeded 20,000 units per litre — over 100 times the normal level. He required immediate dialysis. Doctors diagnosed him with acute kidney failure caused by exertional rhabdomyolysis, a condition where muscle tissue breaks down so severely that proteins and other cellular contents leak into the bloodstream.
Exertional rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle fibers break down rapidly and release substances, including a protein called myoglobin, into the bloodstream. The kidneys, responsible for filtering waste, become overwhelmed by large amounts of myoglobin, leading to acute kidney injury and, in severe cases, kidney failure.
Similar Cases Reported in China
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, a 24-year-old man in eastern China's Zhejiang province showed symptoms of rhabdomyolysis 20 days into his fitness training and was hospitalized. He had been lacking exercise and worked out after work for 20 consecutive days, as per SCMP.
In 2024, a 26-year-old man in central China's Hubei province intensified his exercise to develop eight-pack abs and impress a woman. He did an hour of high-intensity crunches and leg raises. The next day, he experienced extreme pain in both thighs and urinated blood. He was later diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.
Warning Signs of Rhabdomyolysis
Many people initially mistake rhabdomyolysis for normal post-workout soreness. However, symptoms often include unusually severe muscle pain, significant swelling, muscle weakness, and difficulty moving the affected body part. One of the most important warning signs is dark, tea-colored, or cola-colored urine. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, and reduced urine output. In severe cases, electrolyte imbalances and kidney injury can develop.
Experts emphasize that dark urine after intense exercise should never be ignored, especially when accompanied by severe muscle pain or swelling.
Why Leg Workouts Pose Higher Risk
The legs contain some of the largest muscles in the human body, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. During an extremely intense training session involving heavy squats, lunges, leg presses, or high-volume repetitions, substantial muscle damage can occur due to the strain on these large muscle groups.
However, leg workouts are not inherently dangerous. Millions of people train their legs safely every week. The risk increases when individuals suddenly jump from little or no exercise to very intense sessions, attempt extreme challenges, ignore pain, or train aggressively in hot conditions without proper hydration and recovery.
Safe Approach to Leg Day
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to train like experienced athletes from day one. Muscles, tendons, and cardiovascular systems need time to adapt to increasing workloads. Progressive overload — the principle of gradually increasing weight, repetitions, or training volume — is far safer than dramatic jumps in intensity.
Hydration is also crucial during workouts. Dehydration can increase the risk of complications during strenuous exercise and make it harder for the kidneys to cope with muscle breakdown products. Recovery matters just as much as the workout itself. Adequate sleep and proper nutrition help muscles repair and adapt. Rest days are essential to prevent injury and overtraining.
Finally, pay attention to your body. Severe pain is not the same as productive training. Mild soreness after exercise is common, but extreme swelling, debilitating pain, inability to straighten or bend limbs, or dark urine warrant immediate medical attention.
