For years, I struggled with over-exercising. I was an extreme "cardio-queen," thinking that if i just ran a few more miles, or worked out for an hour more, I would get the toned, lean body I desired.
It got to the point where I was exercising upwards of 3 to 4 hours a day. I would wake up at 3:30am each morning, head to the gym to run 5 or 6 miles, teach a spinning class - then go back in the evening after work and do it alllll over again.
While I was "skinny," I sure wasn't toned.
Not only that, my whole body was inflamed. I suffered numerous injuries (some serious), was sick frequently, and spent my downtime sleeping. My body hurt alllll the time.
Finally, finally, in 2009, I broke the heel of my foot training for an ultra-marathon. This ended up being a blessing in disguise, and was my wake-up call.
I hired a trainer, completely changed my training - and the rest is history.
By doing JUST enough of the RIGHT types of exercise, I completely changed the SHAPE of my body - and I have not had an injury since.