What is Overtraining? Sign and Symptoms

“The body does not get fitter through exercise; it gets fitter through recovering from exercise” --Peter Keen, coach of Chris Boardman

Don’t fall victim to the mantra “More is Better”. If the media tells you to exercise 3 to 5 times a week then 7 must be even better, right? If 60 minutes is good then 2 hours must be better, right? So wrong! Your body needs time to fully recover from the stress that accumulates over a training period. Overtraining is the result of the body’s inability to cope with physical demands.

Common Symptoms of overtraining are:
Unexplained underperformance
Prolonged recovery
Increased need for sleep
Sleep and mood disturbance
Excessive fatigue
Frequent infections
Depression
Loss motivation
Increased anxiety and irritation
Decreased concentration ability

A good strategy to prevent overtraining is to use your training log (see post from Friday, August 14, 2009). When you notice some of the symptoms mentioned above, consult your log to decide if you have been giving yourself adequate recovery time.

Treatment of overtraining involves rest, plain and simple. The longer you allowed your overtraining to go on, the more rest you will need so don’t delay. Depending on severity, you may need days or weeks. The general rule of thumb is to rest until symptoms of overtraining have resolved. AND DON’T LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN……
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Today's Workout: 250m row, 3 rounds of: 5 Clean and Jerks and 25 Wall Balls, 250m row
Today's Confession: Should have been a rest day. Do as I say not as I do.