Overtraining

Most people are not aware that it is possible to overtrain and most likely you have done it to yourself at least once or twice. You may want to get back into working out because you have a new goal for what you would like your body to look like. This is GREAT but we all need to remember to start at the beginning, have you already been working out for a while or are you just getting back into the gym? If you are just starting up again or for the first time don't be so quick to plan a workout schedule that has you at the gym 6-7 days a week for hours at a time. You need to know that you do not build muscles when you training, you build them when you are resting. If you have difficulty deciphering if you are overtraining there are some things to be aware of. You may in fact be sore from a great weight lifting session but then again you could have overtrained yourself.

There are many signs of overtraining that we all should be aware of. You may be looking for great results and in turn are actually ruining your chances of getting there. If you are feeling tired and sore all the time then this might be true for you. Don't think just because you have a personal trainer that you aren't overtraining either because many times your trainer may be the culprit. Unaware individuals, even trainers, can make the mistake of overtraining their clients.

WARNING SIGNS OF OVERTRAINING

1. Not being able to fall asleep (insomnia)

2. Persistent muscle soreness or fatigue

3. Loss of appetite

4. Drop in performance of your training

5. Headaches

6. Decreased Immunity

7. Elevated Resting Heart Rate

8. Irritability

9. Depression

Now that you know what to look for you can be more aware on how to keep your fitness journey moving smoothly. Yes pain may equal gain to a certain extent but continual pain on pain will not give you a gain. Pain only equals gain with some R&R in between :)