Kyra Fancey, 24, experienced a life-threatening condition known as exertional rhabdomyolysis, or rhabdo, after attending her first spin class in December 2023. During the class, she felt significant muscle pain and pressure but pushed through, unaware of the potential risks. Days later, she was admitted to the hospital with dark brown urine and severe pain, symptoms indicative of muscle breakdown. Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services reported an alarming rise in rhabdo cases, particularly among young women in the St. John’s area, with 20 incidents recorded from October 2025 to April, surpassing the expected annual average of eight to 14 cases. Experts are concerned that social media’s pressure to perform intense workouts may be contributing to this trend.
Why It Matters
Rhabdomyolysis can occur after intense or unaccustomed exercise, leading to serious health complications, including kidney damage. The condition is not routinely tracked in Canada, but historical data indicates a rising trend in exercise-induced rhabdo, particularly among younger demographics. In the U.S., over 40,000 hospital visits were linked to rhabdo between 2000 and 2019, with a marked increase in cases coinciding with the popularity of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and weightlifting. The significant rise in cases among young women highlights the need for awareness regarding exercise risks and the importance of listening to one’s body during physical activity.
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