For starters, rhabdo doesnt have teeth and claws.

But are you at risk?

The answer plus, how to best avoid it in the first place.

Everything You Need to Know About Rhabdomyolysis (aka Rhabdo) , Injured girl is sitting on the city stairs

Photo: Getty Images

But first, in case you don’t remember, let’s rewind a few years.

The story went viral.

People everywhere suddenly became deathly afraid of SoulCycle.

Then, most recently, another rhabdo-related story started making the rounds.

It’s important to note, however, that pedaling isn’t the only culprit.

Bodybuilder Dana Linn Bailey developed the condition after an intense CrossFit workout.

It’s relatively rare, with about 26,000 people developing it each year, according to theCleveland Clinic.

That said, rhabdoisa serious condition that every active person (or person whowantsto be active) should understand.

What Is Rhabdomyolysis?

Occasionally, nutritional supplements (namelyweight-loss aidslikeHydroxycut) have caused rhabdo, too.

(Thesenew e-stim “workouts” are under fire for causing rhabdoas well.)

Dehydration can also play a part in increasing your risk.

“I think it has a lot to do with how conditioned the person is,” says Dr. (See thesewarning signs that you’re pushing yourself too hard in the gym.)

“You usually don’t hear about marathon runners getting rhabdo.”

(Perfect example: Onewoman got rhabdo from a grueling pull-up workout.)

How to Treat Rhabdomyolysis

First, what happens if rhabdomyolysis is left untreated?

However, there’s a much greater risk of developing complications if you don’t get treated.

On that note, you’re probably wondering how to treat rhabdomyolysis.

If ingesting fluids via mouth isn’t enough, your doc will likely go about it intravenously.

And though it might not need saying, you’re free to’t go straight back to the gym.

So, what does rhabdomyolysis recovery look like, exactly?

Again, every situation is different.

Depending on the severity and level of kidney function, this might warrant extended dialysis treatment.

A group fitness atmosphere or one-on-one trainer may have you pushing past your comfort zone in a bad way.

(Watch for nine signs that you’re overtraining.)

(FYI, if you’re feeling thirsty, that means you’realreadydehydrated.)

Last but certainly not least, you should stay home when you’re sick.

And remember: Exercise is supposed to make your body feelbetter.