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Over-training
There are times I meet a new client and for many reasons ask them to resist from working out on their own for a couple weeks or at all during the length of our training program. I do this because often the person has gotten themselves into a jam by over-training. So, while we are correcting some postural issues, loosening tight muscles, or maybe even healing some injured muscles, it is important that their body is allowed to fully rest and recover.
The recovery portion of training is often misused. There are various recovery philosophies that tout sufficient rest, such as working out one particular body part only once a week. However, that does not always do the job. Many people employ an exercise routine that is far too aggressive for their bodies let alone their goals.
The affects of over-training can even result from hard workouts that overlap a stressful lifestyle, or if the amount or type of nutrients does not match the energy needed for what is being demanded of the body. There are also those who set up a functional program and then over-do it. Even too much of a good thing will cause just the opposite of the desired results.
One of my main priorities when teaching a training strategy is to listen to your body. It is extremely important to take breaks with your training. Especially if you are not making the progress you were hoping for, take a full week off and rest. Do not resume training until you feel completely refreshed. If you feel that you rely on your training to keep your weight in order, keep your mind clear, or something else you have not identified, I highly suggest taking a walk every day at the time you normally work out.
Other signs of over training are persistent injuries, lingering colds or flues, or tight muscles, to name a few. In the case you are experiencing a symptom that is unusual or uncomfortable, try to listen to your body that is surely screaming, “Wait, please, I just need some time to recover!” You will not lose momentum by taking a break. On the contrary, you will undoubtedly observe a radical surge of progress once you resume training.
