Overtraining Syndrome

If you are failing to progress in your training, you complain of frequent colds, constant soreness, and difficulty sleeping, you may be overtraining. Overtraining results when there is excessive training with not enough time for rest after heavy workouts. This results in stress on joints and muscles. Added stresses of conflicts with team-mates, friends, money or fear of failure can accelerate the process to the point where the body has difficulty repairing the damage.

Fatigue and reduced athletic ability can result following several difficult workouts. You will feel better after a couple of days of rest or light training and performance will improve. If you are always sore and fatigued and performance is suffering, you may be suffering from overtraining syndrome.

Consult your family physician about any symptoms of this nature. The symptoms you experience with overtraining syndrome are similar to those of many other conditions. Your MD will examine you determine a diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions. Your MD may suggest that you modify your exercise schedule to include 2 weeks of rest or lighter training to see if that will help.

Overtraining can be a serious condition. What is often recommended is complete rest for a period. The longer the overtraining was taking place, the longer should be the rest period. During this 6-12 week rest period you may still participate in light cross-training. Use this time period to manage other sources of stress and eat well to facilitate healing. Using the whirlpool and massage therapy are also helpful.

Prevention of overtraining involves adequate rest time in your training schedule. Heavy training needs to be balanced by light training or days off. It is important to interrupt heavy weeks with time to recover prior to important competitions. Many athletes keep training logs to track progress and watch for overtraining symptoms. If symptoms do arise, address them early so as to quickly resume a regular training schedule. Prevention is always easier than trying to treat it after problems have arisen.


This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing pain or are thinking of beginning a new exercise program, consult your family physician.