Am I Overtraining?

Do you experience emotional volatility?

Do you experience high perceived exertion, feeling like it’s more difficult than normal to produce (the already diminished) results?

Do you experience an erratic waking heart rate?

Do you experience a reduced sex drive?

Do you have a low heart rate variability (measured with a heart monitor)?

Do you get ill/injured easily?

Are you demotivated?

Do you have trouble sleeping?

Do you experience diminished acute performance, making you feel like your workouts are a mess?

Do you feel like you are not progressing?

Do you experience irritability and agitation?

Do you experience reduced appetite and weight loss?

Based on your answers, it’s unlikely that you are experiencing overtraining. That is, of course, great news. Overtraining means an imbalance between training stress and recovery. To suffer the effects of overtraining, you don’t need to be training excessively. There are some things you can do to avoid overtraining. For example, workout out within your limits. Make sure to give yourself enough recovery time between workouts. Fuel your workouts so you always have enough energy to sustain your training. Also, don’t forget to take care of yourself after each training session.

Based on your answers, you are displaying several signs related to overtraining. It may be important to slow it down a little. Overtraining often results from several factors and is usually not caused by only one thing. Also, it does not happen overnight, it requires a prolonged period of imbalance. You should take a break from training if you have any injuries that take time to heal or if you are experiencing burnout. Give yourself enough time to make a full recovery. You can avoid overtraining by working out within your limits and follow the right diet to fuel your workouts properly. Besides, make sure to take care of yourself after each workout.

Unfortunately, you are displaying various symptoms typically seen among individuals who are overtrained. Being in an overtrained state is a terrible experience. There are some things that you can do about it. First of all, you need to recognize the need for rest at least until the symptoms go away. For future training, make sure to have a proper work and rest balance. Fix your sleep hygiene and tune up your diet. Fortunately, short-term fatigue is common and easily remedied by some weeks of rest. However, if you have been dealing with overtraining symptoms for a long time, you should take action and slow it down. Consider visiting your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away.