What is Overtraining?

Overtraining is the result of giving the body more work or stress than it can handle. Over training occurs when a person experiences stress and physical trauma from exercise faster than their body can repair the damage.

Suffering from one or two of the following signs and symptoms does not automatically mean an athlete is suffering from overtraining. However, if a number (say 5 or 6) are presents, it may be time to take a closer look at the volume and intensity of the current workload.

Physical Signs and Symptoms

• Elevated resting pulse / Heart rate
• Frequent minor infections
• Increased susceptibility to olds and influenza
• Increases in minor injuries
• Chronic muscle soreness or joint pain
• Exhaustion
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Appetite loss
• Insatiable thirst or dehydration
• Intolerance to exercise
• Decreased performance
• Delayed recovery from exercise

Psychological Signs and Symptoms

• Tired, drained or lacking energy
• Reduces ability to concentrate
• Apathy or lack of motivation
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Inability to relax
• Twitchy fidgety, or jittery

The most common sign and symptoms of overtraining are a loss of motivation in all areas of life, plus a feeling of exhaustion. If these two warning signs are present, plus a couple of he other listed signs and symptoms, then it may be time to take a short rest before things get out of hand.


Neil Asher Advanced Trigger Point Techniques has a course called The Anatomy of Sports Injuries. Go here to learn about this technique and how to apply it to your practice.  While there check out some of he other courses that are offered.

Reference: Walker, B. (2013). The Anatomy of Sports Injuries. Chichester, England. Lotus Publishing.