Are You Working Out Too Much?

Over training is a serious health concern. It also damages your chances of seeing results. You might think, more exercise equals more results but that's not the case. Progress comes from rest. Muscles grow and repair while you recover. Taking days off allows you to start fresh, with energy levels at their maximum capacity. It's far better to work out with all your strength three days a week, rather than half your strength for six.

Sign Of Over Training May Include:

-Fatigue. Feeling constantly tired, drained and lacking energy

-Irritability and moodiness

-Pain in muscles and joints

-Headaches

-Insomnia

-Depression

-Poor Performance during exercise

-Decreased immunity. Getting sick more often, like more sore throats and colds.

-Decreased motivation and enthusiasm

-Decreased appetite

-Increased injuries

To recover from over training the best thing to do, is to take a few days to a couple of weeks off from any form of vigorous physical activity. You can participate in low levels of activity such as walking. This is commonly called "active recovery." Movement without high intensities works to improve circulation and improve immune functioning.

During your recovery process, drink lots of water and eat a variety of nutritious food. You can even treat yourself to a massage by either an RMT or more specifically, a sports massage therapist. Not only will it physically help your muscles heal but your mind will feel refreshed and clear afterward.

If you exercise compulsively this is a serious problem. Similar to an eating disorder compulsive exercising is a condition that requires medical attention. If you feel like you can't skip a day out of fear of losing results or gaining weight and/or if exercising isn't fun anymore, merely an obligation, it's best to talk to your doctor for advise to help you overcome compulsive exercising and to start working out again because it's fun and makes you feel good.

If you are not sure if you have been over training please e mail me for instructions on how to test yourself.