Overtraining

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Overtraining is a physical, behavioral, and emotional condition that occurs when the volume and intensity of an individual's exercise exceeds their recovery capacity. They cease making progress, and can even begin to lose strength and fitness. Overtraining is a common problem in weight training, but it can also be experienced by runners and other athletes.

Symptoms and signs[edit | edit source]

Overtraining can be characterized by a number of symptoms including:

  • Persistent muscle soreness
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Elevated resting heart rate
  • Reduced heart rate variability
  • Increased susceptibility to infections
  • Increased incidence of injuries
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Mental breakdown

Causes[edit | edit source]

The primary cause of overtraining is an imbalance between training and recovery, training stress and life stress, in which an individual's training intensity exceeds their body's ability to recover.

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Prevention of overtraining can be achieved through periodization, proper nutrition, and quality rest.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for overtraining typically involves a period of rest and recovery, followed by a gradual return to training.

See also[edit | edit source]

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