Overtraining can be a huge danger if you are not properly informed on how to exercise. Knowing the right amount of exercise to get can be a bit tricky. Doing nothing is worse than something, but too much can be worse than nothing at all! The right mix lies right in the middle. Read on to figure out where this is for you.
Regression
If you get to the point where you can’t complete your normal workouts, this can be a sign that you are overtraining. For instance, if you normally go to the gym and lift weights for 30 minutes and now you cannot lift them for more than 10 minutes, you are overtraining. This is known as regression. Your body is weakening, and your stamina has stopped because you’re pushing too hard.
Losing Lean
Often times, exercising too often can cause you to lose the lean muscle you are working for. This is because working out too much burns glucose AND muscle tissue. That will make your body become less lean than it was before. Furthermore, overtraining can cause an increase in insulin resistance, which often results in fat deposits around the stomach area.
Daily Routines
If you are working out every single day, you are not allowing your body to recover the way it needs to. You have to learn to take a day off from time to time, even if you’re training for a marathon. Let your body recuperate.
Pain
If you find that you are wincing when you run, or you dread going up and down the staircase because your legs hurt, you are probably overtraining. Listen to what your body is saying. If you are in pain, slow down and stop. There are always other exercises you can do that are healthy & beneficial. There’s good pain and bad pain. If you don’t know the difference, ask a doctor about it!
When you are overtraining, your body is going to start to work against you. You’re going to feel worse instead of better. Take the time to slow down and train properly so your body does not take the hit. You are more likely to be more successful if you take the time to train properly. Find out what your limitations are and then allow yourself to rest! You deserve it! It will make the rest of your workouts more efficient and beneficial!