Can you Exercise TOO MUCH?

Ever wondered if it’s possible to have too much of a good thing when it comes to exercise?

As someone who preaches the virtues of exercise regularly, I see the amazing benefits it brings to people’s lives. Most people are inactive and don’t exercise enough, but there is a minority that can overdo it and train too much.

Exercise makes us feel and look amazing, giving us renewed energy and a better mood. However, this can lead to overtraining, especially for those who go from being inactive to exercising regularly. While their enthusiasm is inspiring, I sometimes need to pull them back.

Overtraining can be worse than not training at all.

So, how do you know if you’ve gone too far?

You need to listen to your body instead of toughing it out and ignoring the signs.

Despite the common “eat a spoonful of cement and harden up” mentality, taking a rest can lead to a diminished risk of injury, illness, and fatigue.

I’ve experienced both sides and learned the hard way.

Here are some clear signs of overtraining:

• Consistent Fatigue: Failing to complete your workouts due to fatigue once or twice is normal, but a pattern indicates overtraining.
• Decreased Performance: Getting weaker or slower despite regular exercise means you need rest.
• Gaining Fat: Too much training increases cortisol, leading to more fat around the midsection.
• Frequent Illness: Overtraining can diminish your immune system.
• Persistent Pain: Constant niggles and aches in your joints, bones, and muscles.
• Feeling Tired: Exercise should create energy. If you feel flat and caffeine-dependent, you may have overdone it.

Causes of overtraining include:

• Lack of recovery
• Increasing the frequency or intensity of training too quickly
• Not resting adequately after illness
• Favouring one form of training too much

The good news is that the solution to overtraining is simple: REST.

This could mean taking a few days off each week or including easier sessions in your routine.

Additionally, have your training program reviewed by an exercise professional to ensure your progressions are measured and realistic.

Remember, more is not always better. Listen to your body, rest when needed, and maintain a balanced approach to training.