Spin Class Gone Wild: One Woman’s Near‑Fatal Ride into Rhabdomyolysis
Last week’s spinning session turned into a real-life‑lesson in “go slow or go home.” A Facebook post by Atrina Lau has already racked up over a thousand shares, and it’s for good reason—she brushed up against the edge of death after a seemingly innocent indoor cycling class.
What Went Wrong?
It all started on March 7, when a typical spin session left Lau feeling like her legs had turned into jelly. She thought it was just muscle soreness from not exercising in ages, but the pain didn’t fade—it worsened.
“I was practically staggering out of the studio,” she wrote. By the next day, even a simple sit or squat turned into a battle.
The Dark Turn of Urine
When her urine began turning a suspiciously dark color, a quick Google search about “muscle soreness after spin class” turned a playful frustration into a looming medical alarm.
Reaching out for help, she made a 11 pm dash to a local clinic and was promptly referred to Singapore General Hospital—where the real danger unfolded.
Rhabdomyolysis: The Muscle Breakdown Menace
Blood and urine tests revealed rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown that can overrun the kidneys. “I was at risk of kidney failure,” said the doctor. The diagnosis meant overnight hospitalization to monitor her condition and keep the organs safe.
What We Can Learn
- Don’t Suck the Power Out of You! Even a short, high‑tempo spin can push your body past the safe zone.
- Spot the Signs Early. Dark urine or extreme aches after a session? Call a professional—before the symptoms turn from “bad workout” to “big problem.”
- Listen to Your Body. If you’re stuck on the ground after a session—especially over several days—consider it a red flag.
The Takeaway
Spinning is awesome, but it’s not a free‑for‑all event. Treat every heart‑pounding beat and wind‑blowing pedal with respect. And remember, you’re not a machine—you can’t crank until you’re exhausted.
Share if you’ve had a spin‑fubar moment, and let’s keep the cycling community safe, one loop at a time.
‘It can happen to anyone’
From Spin to ICU: The Unexpected Aftermath of a Beginner’s Workout
Ever tried a spin class and emerged feeling like a superhero? For one lucky (and now slightly scarred) college graduate, the outcome was a four‑day hospital stay on an IV drip. She described the ordeal in unmistakable detail: “I spent four days hooked up to a drip, sipping coffee and teas, while the doctors kept me hydrated and pumped me back up. I made sure to drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins, and now I’m slowly getting my energy back.”
Rhabdomyolysis: A Dangerous Sidekick of Strong Gains
She warned that rhabdomyolysis can hit anyone who pushes their body to a new extreme—especially newbies. “It’s not just spin class,” she insists. “If you’re overexerting, it doesn’t matter what the exercise is.”
Don’t Pip the … Uh… Hydration!
Her advice: “Remember to replenish your fluids on time and get medical help if you notice symptom bites.” The article published by Mount Elizabeth Hospital’s Health Plus echoes this sentiment, urging readers to listen to the body’s red flags.
- Know your limits—don’t try to outpace a pro.
- Start slow, finish slow, and keep the water bottle ready.
- When the body says “enough,” heed the message.
In short, if you’re about to lift that extra weight, spin that extra mile, or merely rehearse a yoga pose, please remember: hydration is your best friend. And if the body’s warning lights blare, seek help before the blues turn to a dark hue.
