fatWhat is 'over training syndrome' and what are its symptoms?
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In the question What type of cardio is best for fat loss semi fasted? Dan mentioned something called "over training syndrome". What is over training syndrome, what are its symptoms, and is it dangerous?
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This is a re-post from another overtraining question posted today, but I do hope that it is helpful in answering your question!
Overtraining is caused by excessively overloading the body, usually the result of poorly structured exercise programs. While proper nutrition, specifically replenishing muscle sugar (glycogen) stores and staying hydrated can help prevent overtraining, it often the result of improperly varying exercise programs, coupled with insufficient recovery time and poor nutrition. Therefore, just consuming adequate calories will not prevent overtraining.
When performed over the short term, overtraining is called overreaching. However, when untreated, overreaching becomes overtraining syndrome resulting in long-term decreased performance, an inability to train, chronic fatigue. In addition, overtraining can result in altered resting heart rate and blood pressure, and an early onset of fatigue with exercise. If left untreated, overtraining syndrome can require medical attention.
The best way to treat overtraining syndrome is to try to avoid it in the first place. If you start to recognize common signs and symptoms (listed below), it is best to take a few days or weeks off from exercise and let your body recover before gradually returning to exercise.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Overtraining Syndrome Include:
-Decline in physical performance and early onset of fatigue
-Decreased desire to train or decreased in enjoyment from training
-Loss of muscle strength, coordination, and maximal working capacity.
-Overuse injuries, presence of tenderness and soreness in muscles and joints
-Loss of appetite and body loss
-Gastrointestinal disturbances; occasional nausea
-Emotional instability characterized by general fatigue, apathy, depression, and irritability
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Lauren has given a really good description of over training as a syndrome. Have you read this article by Richard Elston?
http://fitnessinventor.com/articles/699-like-an-idiot-i-overtrained
It's a real life example of over training and the impact it can actually have. The issue with over training is that its not just a physical thing, its also psychological. Its the psychological symptoms that can be the most damaging.
Is it dangerous?
The most dangerous feature in my eyes is the risk of depression. If depression as a result of over training sets in, you have a whole different problem, with a whole new set of potential consequences. Health, hygiene, quality of life, relationships all have the potential to suffer, and depression can lead to suicidal tendencies. People in the fitness world naturally have obsessive personality traits, so this coupled with depression has the potential to elevate these tendencies.
So is over training dangerous, in my eyes in has the potential to kill you in the wrong people, and in the absence of support!
Health and Fitness Doctor