Article by: Wellness Director Chelsea Salisbury
To make sure you’re not over training be sure to review a number of possible signs:
- Monitor your morning heart rate before getting out of bed. An elevated reading means that your metabolic rate has increased to meet the demands imposed on your body.
- Are you always thirsty? If you keep drinking and crave more you may be in a catabolic state. When your muscles enter a state of catabolism, they actually lose mass, density, strength and definition. This can occur due to improper nutrition, a lack of sleep, improper training techniques and more. By eating, training and resting with a strategy, you’ll keep your muscles growing and avoid catabolism.
- Are you sore longer than 72 hours after a workout? Increase your rest days!
- Insomnia – Eat clean food and take a week off of training. Sleep is very important for the physical restoration of your body!
- Depression or body image issues? This could have a direct link how much you are training to get to where you want to be. Please meet with a personal trainer to help set realistic and measurable goals tailored for you!
- Sick more often? Over training doesn’t allow your immunity system to work as well. Take a rest! You may also consider implementing vitamins A & E, as well as, glutamine.
- Do you talk a lot at the gym between sets? Ineffective training with break in our sets is counterproductive because our body isn’t designed to build muscle and lose fat this way.
- Increased injuries are a direct sign that you need more recovery through nutrition and rest.
- No change in your body? muscles need a chance to recover and rebuild. Don’t force your exercise!
If any of these ring a bell, you should contact one of our friendly personal trainers to get your training on track. Listen to your body and know the signs even if you feel 110%!