Overtraining is a term used to describe when someone’s training has exceeded their ability to recover. This usually happens from not meeting nutritional and rest requirements to properly recover from an extensive training program.

Reaching the point of overtraining is highly dependent on your physical limitations and level of training. Although it can happen to any type of athlete, the probability of it happening to a highly conditioned athlete vs. an average athlete is much lower.

Overtraining can lead to both mental and physical symptoms. It is important to know your body and when it is time to take a break.

These are some of the most common symptoms of overtraining:

- Loss of strength
- Loss of muscle/catabolism
- Body is in a catabolic state for more time than an anabolic state.
- Elevated resting HR (Heart Rate)
- Extra muscle soreness
- Mental Breakdown
- Depression


If you ever start to experience any of these symptoms you should immediately focus on taking some time away from training and rest. Usually 4 – 7 days of proper eating, rest and hydration is adequate to recover from overtraining.