Train Smart

Overtraining, Everybody Does It

By Scott Poston

It is a physical and/or psychological or emotional state.  It is an imbalance between training and recovery, exercise and exercise capacity. And it is as common as the cold!

so tired...

There are so few opportunities in the week to get in a really good workout, so you insist on making this one count; and the next one; and the next one… soon enough you find yourself without appetite, amped at night so you do not sleep well, irritable, frequently sniffling, and downright apathetic!  You’re overtrained.

The solution is much more fun than the cause.  Take a break and relax a while.  When your appetite, sleep pattern, etc. come back then you’re ready to start working out again, but this time be patient.  You don’t have to cram 4 workouts into 1.  Progress slowly, cautiously.  You should finish your workout excited about the next.  Consider ending your workout a little early, right in the middle of that runner’s high even!  Can you imagine feeling excited about the next workout?!

Listen to your body.  At the first whisper of “uncle” go home!