Overtraining Syndrome- the Non-training Stress Element

By Jamie Yu

The majority of us are fully aware how detrimental over-training when exercising can be to us in body and in mind. The lack of recovery ,on top of the excessive physical stress we apply from us either lifting weights and/or engaging in cardiovascular activities, is the main cause we think of for hitting that ‘wall’ and in some cases actually regress in our progress to reaching that peak of physical excellence.

The usual suspect symptoms, to name but a few one might look for, would be : d

• Reduced strength and stamina
• Decreased appetite
• Chronic fatigue
• Lack of motivation and focus
• Insomnia
• Increased blood pressure and resting pulse rate

But current studies have shown that elements outside our training are also connected with the main causes of overtraining.

“Non-training stressors” such as environmental and lifestyle issues have shown, that in combination with the usual physical training stressors, onset overtraining syndrome symptoms are brought on much quicker than if the stress was just excessive training alone.

The research carried out involved five highly-trained athletes, all exhibiting several overtraining symptoms, completing two psychological questionnaires. In both of the case studies that were presented in the results, the participates were going through personal, financial and work related situations such as marriage break-ups, redundancies and/or new baby being born prior to the symptoms occurring.

Although we cannot definitely say for sure that this was the soul reason for the over-training syndrome, there is a definite link even though all subjects participated in strenuous training regimes as well.

So if you are experiencing 2-3 or more of these symptoms and come to the conclusion that you are in fact overtraining, when you make that conscious decision to take that step back and re-assess your training and dietary habits, ensure you also put some thought into your other external stresses outside of the gym and seek ways to manage and resolve these to.

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