GOING hell for leather on the treadmill may seem a healthy way to kickstart the year, but too much too soon could have a diverse effect on your health.

The Arthritis Research Campaign recently voiced concerns that binge exercising could actually do you more harm than good and that amateur gym devotees could risk developing arthritis in later life.

Chief executive of the campaign, Fergus Logan, explains: "We know that people who severely damage cartilage in their 20s and 30s are at a much greater risk of developing osteoarthritis when they get older. We are not saying 'don't play sport' because, overall, it's beneficial for health, but it needs to be tailored to people's individual needs.

"Our advice is don't overdo it now because you might end up regretting it later."

Hollywood film star Sharon Stone suffered a stroke last September after a vigorous work-out which may have caused a weakened blood vessel to burst, while Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, died at the age of 49 on an exercise bike last May.

Although fatal injuries are extremely rare, injury certainly is not. Mike Walden, a sports therapist and founder of website www.sportsinjuryclinic.net, says a common problem suffered by binge exercisers is tendon inflammation.

"Tendons attach muscle to bone and overuse will cause inflammation. As long as this is looked after then there will be no lasting damage.

"If, however, you ignore the early warning signs, then you could easily have some long-term problems," he says.

According to Mike, not warming up properly is a major cause of muscle strains.

"A warm-up will increase body temperature andmusclesworkfar better

at 40 degrees C rather than normal body temperature," he says.

Attending a gym induction is vital, according to Corrine Thompson, a health and fitness manager for David Lloyd Leisure.

"People who come to the gym after Christmas tend to overdo it. An instructor will give advice on how many times you should come to start off with," she says.

"Exercisers should warm-up before they start any vigorous exercise -- don't do anything that increases your heart rate too much, just enough to make your body warm."

QUICK TIPS FOR SHAPING UP

Find a qualified instructor to give you personal advice

Always start with a warm-up

Start gradually and build up. If you do too much too soon you will hurt yourself

Try to vary the exercise you do each week

Make a rule not to eat between meals

Become more active in your everyday lifestyle

Get more tips from Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs (01509 620 222).