Rhabdomyolysis

The article "Why intense workouts are leading to a life-threatening condition" shares the scary reality of not being properly conditioned before undergoing intense exercise. The article states that even those who are fit can develop rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo), which in reality is much less likely, and generally comes from an unusual and unaccustomed level of intensity. The take way is, work your way up to intensities, don't just jump in. Lastly, science points to these six factors that contribute to the development of rhabdo.:

1. unaccustomed exercise [especially with eccentric/muscle-lengthening contractions]
2. Ischemia (which is a restriction of blood supply to tissues
3. Extreme temperatures and electrolyte abnormalities
4. Endocrinologic conditions (hormone imbalance/conditions
5. Genetic/autoimmune disorders
6. Drugs 


<adapted from the following source>
Rawson, E. S., Clarkson, P. M., & Tarnopolsky, M. A. (2017). Perspectives on Exertional Rhabdomyolysis. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.z.), 47(Suppl 1), 33–49. http://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-017-0689-z