8 signs you're overdoing it at the gym

That you feel tired sometimes is fine, but running short of breath isn't... 

Running short of breath: Being out of breath during exercise is fine, but if you find yourself panting more often than not while working out, this indicates that you are overdoing it. When you take a break or pause, your panting should slow down within 60 seconds. Being unable to catch your breath means you pushed yourself too hard. In that case, it takes longer to recover, but your body goes back to functioning normally.
However, if you experience additional symptoms such as swelling in your feet and ankles, high fever, cough, chills, blue fingertips, or wheezing you may want to consult your doctor as these could be signs of a heart attack. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Chest discomfort: Aside of the panting, if your chest feels uncomfortable after a strenuous exercise regime, do not take it lightly. Chest discomfort is a major indicator of a heart attack or angina (a blockage in the blood vessels of the heart that reduces blood and oxygen flow to the heart). Note: Not all chest pain is the same; it can feel like burning, stabbing, or tightness. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Nausea and vomiting: It should be obvious that throwing up after or during exercise is not a desirable result. If you push yourself so hard that you throw up, you may want to reassess your regimen at the gym. Getting nauseous from your workout can also indicate that you are dehydrated or experiencing heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can be treated with rest in a cool place but, if ignored, it can lead to heat stroke, which can cause organ damage, and, sometimes, death. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Fever: Exercising while sick is not advisable, especially if you have fever. If the fever is over 100.5 degree, you should not work out. You put yourself at risk of viral myocarditis. Viral myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle and can be fatal. Evidence suggests that exercising while feverish increases the risk of developing this dangerous disorder as well as dehydration and overheating. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Sore muscles: You may also experience some joint soreness during your workout or half an hour later. Beyond that, you may want to be more cautious. If the next morning you're having joint pain that you can attribute or associate to your workout or activity the day before, you've probably pushed yourself too hard. Also, if the soreness is getting in the way of normal daily functioning, you should give it some rest. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Decrease in performance: If you are working out religiously, you should see your performance improve or at least stay the same. If you feel unusually exhausted by your usual workout, you might be overtraining. So, when you are working out, try to focus on quality, not quantity. Those additional reps of the same form are not nearly as beneficial as you think. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Mood swings: If your physical performance is not entirely on track, there could be a chance that you may feel a slightly mentally drained as well. While physical activity is often linked to decreases in depression and anxiety, overtraining can increase irritability, and moodiness. A common sentiment amongst athletes who are overtrained is that they lose their competitive spirit. (Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)

Strange sleep patterns: Being active during the day can help us rest well at night. If you are overtraining, the opposite may occur. Pushing your body too hard can cause restlessness, insomnia or oversleeping. If that is the case, slow down at the gym and your sleeping pattern will return to normal.(Thinkstock Photos/Getty Images)