How do I recognize if I am suffering from overtraining?
May 7, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Emma Hacker
Dear Doctor,
my name is Lukas Engel and I am an avid athlete. In the past few months, I have intensified my training to prepare optimally for an upcoming competition. However, I have recently noticed that I often feel tired and exhausted, even though I sleep enough and eat healthily. Also, my performance in training has significantly decreased and I feel like I can't recover as well as I used to.
I am worried that I may be suffering from overtraining. I have read online that overtraining can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as persistent fatigue, sleep disturbances, mood swings, muscle and joint pain. I am now wondering if these symptoms apply to me and how I can find out if I am actually suffering from overtraining.
Could you please tell me what signs indicate overtraining and what measures I can take to recover and improve my performance? Are there specific tests or examinations that can help me determine a possible overload of my physical and mental resources?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Lukas Engel
Dear Lukas Engel,
Thank you for your detailed description of your situation. It is important that you pay attention to warning signs from your body and consider possible causes for your symptoms. The suspicion that you may be suffering from overtraining is quite plausible, especially if you have intensified your training recently.
Overtraining is a condition that occurs when the stress from training and competitions exceeds the body's ability to recover and regenerate. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, as you have already mentioned. The most common signs include persistent fatigue and exhaustion, sleep disturbances, performance decline, increased susceptibility to infections, mood swings, muscle and joint pain, and prolonged recovery time after training.
To determine if you are actually suffering from overtraining, it is advisable to undergo a thorough medical examination. Various tests and examinations can be conducted to assess your physical and mental condition. Blood tests can provide information about possible inflammation levels, hormone levels, and nutrient deficiencies. Performance diagnostics, such as a stress ECG or lactate measurements, can also help determine your current performance level and identify overloading conditions.
To recover and improve your performance, it is important to listen to your body and give it sufficient rest and recovery. Reduce your training, increase the recovery periods between sessions, and focus on a balanced diet. Physiotherapy treatment or sports psychological support may also be beneficial in helping to restore balance to your body and mind.
It is important not to hesitate to seek professional help to take your symptoms seriously and respond appropriately. If symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a sports physician or sports scientist who can assist you with diagnosis and therapy.
I wish you all the best on your road to recovery and good luck in your upcoming competition.
Best regards,
Emma Hacker
