Overtraining is a term used to describe the process of overworking one’s body beyond what it can handle. This can happen when a person pushes themselves too hard when exercising or in other physical activities. It can also occur when a person does not give their body enough rest or recovery time between workouts.
It is important for those who exercise regularly to know the signs of overtraining and to be aware of how to prevent it. In this guide, we show you the signs you need to look out for.
1) Insomnia
Insomnia is one of the most common signs of overtraining your body. It can be caused by an imbalance in hormones and neurotransmitters, which can be caused by an excessive amount of physical and mental stress.
Symptoms of insomnia can include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. If you’re experiencing insomnia, it’s important to take steps to reduce your stress levels and give your body time to rest.
2) Mood Swings
Mood swings can be one of the most alarming signs of overtraining one’s body. It is often the result of a combination of physical, hormonal, and emotional stress.
Mood swings can range from excessive elation to sudden depression and can be a warning sign that one’s body is not getting enough rest and recovery time. If someone notices a sudden shift in their mood, it is important to take a step back and evaluate the intensity of their workout routine.
3) Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite is an alarming sign of overtraining. When exercising too much, the body’s energy expenditure increases, while the recovery process and refuelling processes don’t keep pace.
This can lead to a decrease in appetite, as the body is not receiving the necessary fuel to keep up with the intense physical activity. If you’re experiencing a sudden decrease in appetite, it may be a sign that you’re overtraining and should take a few days off from exercise.
4) Decline in Performance
A decline in performance is one of the major signs of overtraining. It is characterized by sudden drops in physical performance or a decrease in the quality of your performance. This could include a decrease in the amount of weight you can lift or a decrease in the speed at which you can complete a run or a workout.
It could also include a drop in the number of reps you can do or a decrease in the range of motion you have during a workout. If you notice a decline in your performance, it’s important to take a break from your training and let your body rest and recover.
5) Reduced Immunity
Reduced immunity is one of the alarming signs that you’re overtraining your body. Overtraining can be hard on your body and can cause a weakened immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to illnesses, colds, and other infections.
It’s important to take a break from exercise to restore your body and give your immune system time to recover. Eating healthy, taking supplements, and getting enough sleep can also help to reduce your risk of reduced immunity from overtraining.
Conclusion
Overtraining can be a serious health risk, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and take steps to prevent it. It is important to be aware of the signs of overtraining, such as decreased motivation and physical exhaustion, and adjust your training intensity, volume, and frequency accordingly.
If you believe you might be overtraining yourself, Pro10 Rehabilitative Massage & Training can help. We offer rehabilitative massage therapy to help you work out the kinks and strains in your body. Get in touch with us today to learn more.