Too Much of a Good Thing: Symptoms of Overtraining
As much as we love exercise for all of its benefits, there can sometimes be too much of a good thing. Overtraining occurs when you push your body too far and don’t allow an adequate amount of time for it to rest and rebuild.
The point at which a body will start to suffer symptoms of overtraining is different for every person, so you need to make sure to listen to your body for any signs:
Excessively tired
If you find yourself regularly tired despite getting enough sleep, one of the things to look at is your exercise routine. Not allowing yourself time to rest can lead to an increase in lethargy and sluggishness.
Excessively thirsty
One of the first symptoms of dehydration is excessive thirst. Usually by the time you realize you are thirsty, you’re already dehydrated, so it’s important to always maintain an adequate intake of water. Overtraining can lead to more frequent episodes of dehydration, so if you’re continually thirsty you may need to take a look at your training regimen.
More injuries
Overtraining means that your body is working beyond its capacity and it unable to reset and rebuild in an adequate amount of time. Because of the stress placed on the body when it is in this state, you are more likely to sustain injuries than if you allow the appropriate amount of rest.
Lack of motivation
As we said before, there is sometimes too much of a good thing. While you may have been energized and motivated by frequent workouts, pushing yourself too hard for too long can actually have the reverse effect.
Increased sickness
Similar to the increased likelihood of injuries, overtraining can also increase your susceptibility to illnesses. The body is not given enough time to rest, which can eventually lead to a more stressed and suppressed immune system.
Prolonged muscle soreness
It’s normal for a tough workout to leave you feeling sore for 24-48 hours post workout. If your soreness lasts for more than 3 days, however, it could be a sign that you are overtraining. Challenge yourself, but don’t push it so hard that you are out of commission for days in a row. Make sure to leave time for rest when planning your training regimens!
Make sure to plan your workouts so that you have time for your body to recuperate. If you’re looking for ideas, make sure to check out Reside’s Athletics page for free and discounted opportunities!
