Avoiding Overtraining Syndrome is
Very Important
Every fitness goal
has its leaps and hurdles. Being
inspired, motivated and hard work
usually gets you past these obstacles.
You are more likely to achieve your goal
the more motivated you are. There is
one impenetrable roadblock even the most
experienced athletes cannot conquer.
Overtraining syndrome is that obstacle.
What is overtraining
syndrome?
Without using confusing scientific
jargon, overtraining syndrome can be
defined as when your body's recovery is
outpaced by the breakdown caused by
training. Overtraining cannot happen
overnight. A syndrome is a chronic
collaboration of multiple stressors
which overtime, overcome the body's
ability to recovery. Before you reach
the dreaded overtraining syndrome
overreaching may occur.
Overreaching is the
short term equivalent to overtraining.
It has the same symptoms which are not
nearly as bad and take less time to
overcome.
How do
you know if you are overreaching?
Drop in performance is the first thing
you will notice. This goes for the
Olympic athlete to the housewife trying
to lose a few pounds. There are many
common signs of overreaching. Headache,
bad mood, swollen glands, fatigue,
elevated resting heart rate, and wounds
or sickness that take longer than usual
to heal are also symptoms.
How do I prevent overtraining?
Don’t overreach!
If you can recognize the symptoms while
they occur, rest for a few days. It can
take a few days to a few weeks to
completely recover from. You do not
have to lie in bed all day, just avoid
structured physical activity such as
cardio or weight training. Stay away
from excess caffeine or diet pills.
Make sure you get enough rest.
Weight training
uses a tremendous amount of energy. If
you lift weights and do cardio too much
you are more likely to develop
overtraining syndrome. It is a good
idea to alternate days of cardio and
weight training if you workout every
day.
Eat a diet
consistent with your training regimen.
If you lift weights for an hour a day
and do 30 minutes of cardio, you can’t
expect to be eating 1500 calories per
day. Take your vitamins and eat healthy
nutrient dense foods. Make sure you are
drinking enough water. Strive for balance
in your life.
How do I know if
I am going through overtraining
syndrome?
You will know. You
will feel terrible physically and be in
a bad mood. If you let it progress far
enough you will be in bed for a few
days. You probably will think something
is seriously wrong and call the doctor.
Overtraining syndrome takes weeks or
months to recover from. Your body is
broken down and it is not able to
recover. Overtraining syndrome does not
sound as bad as it really is so be aware
and avoid it like the plague!
Specialized
Personal Training
If
you train with personal trainer
Michael Behnken, MS, CSCS you
will be training with a unique
and effective scientific
exercise program. Your
training sessions will be
individualized, specific towards
meeting your goals.
Resistance Training
Resistance Training is the best
way to increase the metabolism.
It will help you look and feel
your best. Includes weights,
tubes, body weight, cables,
barbells, and dumbbell training.
Cardiovascular Training
Cardiovascular training is your
best friend in life. It is the
closest thing to the fountain of
youth. Learn how to incorporate
cardio training in your fitness
regimen. Personal training
can also include different forms
of cardio such as boxing,
kickboxing and calisthenics.
Athletic Performance
Athletic performance is what
started the fitness revolution.
Learn why proper personal
training can improve your
ability as an athlete.
Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding History and a brief look at
if being a bodybuilder is right for you!
It takes the highest level of knowledge
and discipline to be a successful
bodybuilder. Do you have what it takes?
Goal Setting
Goal
Setting can be a crucial process in your
exercise program. Find out how to set
measurable and obtainable goals.
|