Article # 124. Over training Causes

Over-Training

The bottom line in sports conditioning and fitness training is stress, not mental stress, but adaptive body stress. Athletes must put their bodies under a certain amount of stress to increase physical capabilities. Where the stress loads are appropriate then the athlete's performance will improve but if the stress loads are inappropriate then a state of over-training/burnout could come about for the athlete.

Signs of Over-training

Symptoms indicating over exertion can be classified in the following way:

• Movement coordination symptoms:
• Increased incidence of disturbances in movement (the re-appearance of faults that seemed to have been overcome, cramp, inhibitions, insecurity)
• Disturbances in rhythm and flow of movement
• Lack of ability to concentrate
• Reduced power of differentiation and correction

• Condition symptoms:
• Diminished powers of endurance, strength, speed. Increase in recovery time, loss of 'sparkle' (competitive qualities)
• Reduced readiness for action, fear of competition, giving-up in face of difficult situations, especially at the finish
• Confusion in competition, departure from usual tactics
• Susceptibility to demoralising influences before and during competition
• Increasing tendency to abandon the struggle

• Psychological symptoms:
• Increased irritability, obstinacy, tendency to hysteria, grumbling, defiance, increased quarrelsomeness, avoidance of contact with coach and colleagues
• Over sensitivity to criticism, or increasing indolence, poor incentive, dullness, hallucination, anxiety, depression, melancholy, insecurity

Close observation can help eliminate the possibility of serious effects of over-stressing. As soon as symptoms are noticed, loading should be reduced and recovery pursued. All performance checks and competition pressures must be removed and active recovery put in their place.