10 signs of overtraining you should know

What is overtraining?

Overtraining is a condition resulting from an excessive number and intensity of workouts in relation to insufficient regeneration. Although it is a problem commonly associated only with physical activity, it is worth knowing that other factors, such as economic, social, daily life, general health, and co-morbidities also influence the overtraining of the exercising body. In some cases, it is mentioned that overtraining causes abnormalities in certain measurable factors concerning the biochemical, hormonal and psychological sphere.

It is worth mentioning that experts distinguish two main types of overtraining. Although the symptoms are very different, both forms have one significant problem in common - the lack of progress and a noticeable drop in the recorded results during training.

Sympathetic overtraining

This type is a consequence of the overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system. It usually concerns sports characterised by high dynamics and explosive movements performed in a short time and team games. The main symptoms are sleep problems, over-aggression and an increased level of excitement in the athlete.

Parasympathetic overtraining

Associated with an increase in parasympathetic nervous system activity. This type of overtraining relates to endurance exercise. Characteristic symptoms include apathy, excessive sleep and a constant feeling of chronic fatigue.

Discover the 10 signs of overtraining

Although the problem of overtraining has many different facets, amateurs and professionals mention a number of identical symptoms. Below is a list of the most common abnormalities that are signs of over-exhaustion caused by sport:

1. Lack of training progress and deterioration of performance
2. Persistent fatigue and lack of energy
3. Constant feeling of pain in muscles and joints
4. Decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to allergies and infections
5. Deterioration of sexual performance and libido
6. Changes in biochemical markers (including decreased testosterone, increased urea and cortisol levels, mineral deficiencies)
7. Mental health impairment (e.g. mood swings, emotional instability)
8. Deterioration of cognitive functions (e.g. difficulty concentrating, impaired coordination)
9. Changes in physiological markers (e.g. increase in respiratory rate, changes in blood pressure)
10. Sleep problems and difficulty falling asleep

Often overtraining requires an appropriate amount of time and a break from training. In extreme cases, a visit to the doctor, who will advise on the appropriate treatment to restore the lost psychophysical balance, is recommended.