Many people start working out because they want to either gain muscle or drop fat, and feel the need to exercise six hours a day to achieve their fitness goals. Training for that long will not give you the results you are looking for, in fact, it will lead to overtraining.
This article is going to explain the basics of overtraining and the problems associated with it. You are also going to learn about methods you can use to prevent overtraining in the future.
Overtraining is a negitive physical and mental state which occurs from training without adequate recovery. Overtraining can also be caused by excessive intensity of workouts and not giving the body enough time for rest and recovery. Not only is overtraining common in
weightlifting, but it can also be experienced by runners and other athletes as well. Studies show that 10-20% of intensely trained athletes are currently overtrained.
Overtraining can effect an athlete in many different ways but the most noticeable symptoms come in a physical and mental state. The following list tells you the most common symptoms of overtraining in both states.
Mentally
* Lack of energy
* Insomnia
* Headaches
* Inability to relax
* Dehydration
* Slower recovery after exercise
* Decreased appetite
* Decreased desire to exercise
* Depression
* Increased chance of infection
Physically
* Achiness
* Pain in muscles
* Increased resting blood pressure
* Decreased athletic performance
* Decreased maximal blood lactate concentrates
* Unwanted bodyweight loss
* Increased risk of injury
If you are experiencing any of these problems, chances are good that you are overtrained.
Okay, so I am overtrained. What should I do to get myself back on track? The first thing you need to do is take a step backwards and rest for a few days. You also need to to drink plenty of fluids and alter your diet if needed. Even if you are not currently overtrained
doesn`t mean that you can`t be in the future. You should keep your training sessions under forty-five minutes and make sure that you stretch before and after exercising.
Remember to always listen to your body and don't try push yourself to do more than what you can really handle. Bodybuilding is the only sport I can think of that uses the "less-is-more" approach and is another one of the reasons that we are a breed apart from the rest
of society.
Chris
__________________  Orbit Nutrition Representative Quote:
Originally Posted by bbdude  keep being THE DUNGEON! Cause u are! U are the dungeon! |  | 
