Fitness is great! 😀 Injuries and pain not so much! 😭

Written by Daniel Wray (Senior Physiotherapist)

In the age of information we should all be perfectly prepared and optimal in our training and lifestyle right? In theory yeah, but expectation versus reality hits hard for most of us when trying to balance busy work and home lives while also training

With increasing frequency we are seeing people in clinic who are getting injured from overtraining. The boom in hybrid style fitness like CrossFit & Hyrox means the demands people are putting on their bodies are constantly increasing. It’s natural to want it all but trying to serve 2 masters simultaneously, with strength training one side and cardio on the other, often results in injury & failure to really progress on either front.

5 Signs of Overtraining

Persistent Fatigue 🥱🥱
Experiencing constant fatigue, despite getting adequate rest, can be a sign of overtraining. If workouts begin to feel unusually exhausting and recovery seems difficult, it may indicate your body is not coping with the stress.
Decreased Performance ⬇⬇⬇
A noticeable drop in performance levels, such as reduced strength, endurance, or speed, can signal that your body is struggling to recover. If previously manageable training sessions start to feel increasingly challenging, consider reassessing your training load.
Increased Injuries ⬆⬆⬆
Frequent injuries or recurring muscle strains are common indicators of overtraining. Overworking your body can lead to a higher risk of injuries, affecting your ability to train effectively.
Mood Changes 😰😰
Emotional fluctuations, such as increased irritability, anxiety, or depression, may occur with overtraining. These mood disturbances often stem from the physical stress your body is undergoing and can impact overall well-being.
Sleep Disturbances 😪😪
Problems with sleep, such as insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns, can also indicate overtraining. A body under stress may struggle to relax, affecting both sleep quality and quantity, which are crucial for recovery.

Feeling Constantly Tired Can be A Sign of Overtraining

TIME TO TAKE STOCK

If any or all of the above points resonate with you then you are probably overtraining and risking injury and reduced performance. It’s good to remember that quality and structure are more important than quantity when it comes to training, fitness & progression. You probably aren’t an elite level athlete with the opportunity to train (& recover) full time so don’t try and train like you are. Exercise shouldn’t be punishment & a mindset like this will lead you to injury.

If you need help with injury or understanding training for your own unique needs then speak to a qualified trainer. Our team at Physio Effect can help you recover from injury and set realistic training goals helping you progress consistently and avoid the boom to bust crashes we see so often with no structure.

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