Investing in an indoor rowing machine to keep fit is good for everyone, but a leading health expert has warned about the damaging effects of excessive exercise.

In an article for the Daily Mirror, Dr Miriam Stoppard indicated that some men and women are guilty of taking exercise to excessive extremes.

This can damage relationships, with some people guilty of putting their exercise ahead of families and friends, she warns.

Dr Stoppard added that over-exercise can cause damage to muscles and joints, such as stress fractures and osteoarthritis in limbs.

However, fitness equipment such as rowing machines has also been credited with helping people get into exercise.

Speaking to the Democrat and Chronicle earlier this month, nine-year-old Ray Mineo explained that he has taken a liking to cardio exercise after getting onto a rowing machine.

The Longridge Elementary School student told the newspaper: "I like riding the (stationary) bike; getting into exercise will get us going towards being healthy for the rest of our lives."