OVERTRAINING Amount and Intensity of Training Physiological Considerations Psychological Considerations
Amount and Intensity of Training Overtraining occurs as a result of ongoing training without adequate recovery. It may be due to training loads that are too high in intensity, sessions occurring too frequently without adequate recovery periods or phases of training and competition that are too long. This results in more damage to tissue and not enough time to repair it.
Amount and Intensity of Training Fatigue, tiredness and poor motivation are not always indicators of overtraining. Athletes training regularly sometimes do become tired and run-down. Overtraining should be suspected when a rapid decline in performance is not remedied by more rest, alternative practices and a good diet.
Physiological Considerations Signs and symptoms: Decline in physical performance Loss of muscle strength Loss of coordination Decrease in maximal aerobic capacity Injury Poor eating habits Feelings of lethargy and fatigue Increased susceptibility to common illnesses Consistent muscle soreness or stiffness
Psychological Considerations Signs and symptoms: Loss of motivation and enthusiasm Mood swings, such as depression, anger and anxiety Sleep disturbances Decreased self esteem Social withdrawal Emotional instability
Prevention of Overtraining Three main approaches Periodisation Recovery time Training volumes and intensities
Periodisation The body adapts and improves in response to progressive overload, but the body and mind have limits. Incorporating sufficient periods of recovery and scheduling them at the appropriate times of the year helps to prevent athletes experiencing the negative effects of overtraining.
Recovery Time Give sufficient time between training sessions. Physical adaptations such as muscle fibre growth and repair as a result of resistance training occur in the days immediately following training.
Training Volumes and Intensities Training volumes and intensities are appropriately and progressively overloaded on the athlete.