Sports science teaches us that high training loads are linked with a greater risk of physical and mental exhaustion.
Research*exploring how injuries, illnesses, stress, overtraining and exhaustion are all related have shown that injuries and illnesses are closely tied to increases in training loads. But surprisingly there is an even closer link between illnesses/injuries and psychological stress.
How do you recognise the symptoms of overtraining?
1. Change in resting heart rate. This is the result of a rise in your metabolic rate to meet the demands imposed by your training load. Get in the habit of checking it first thing in the morning after you wake up to monitor your physical fitness and fatigue.
2. Sore muscles. It is normal to have muscular pain for one or two days after an intense training session. However, if you are still in pain after 72 hours, make sure you take a few days’ rest.
3. Insomnia. This is probably the result of a combination of overloading both the nervous system and hormonal system. Rest is a key part of training, so do not underestimate it.
4. Mood swings. If you start feeling more aggressive, irritable or depressed, it could be the result of overtraining. Listen to your body and take appropriate action.
5. More frequent…
