Overworking + Over-Training = Unhealthy

Posted in Client Journeys, Training Tips. Written by Yuri

Difficulty sleeping.  Feeling lethargic.  Feeling hungrier than usual.  Feeling rundown.  Getting headaches.  This is what has been going on with me over the last few days.  Fortunately, I believe I know the problem: over-training!

Despite elevated stress levels, higher than usual demands from work, and other personal pressures, I have continued to workout each day.  I’ve been running intervals and getting my mileage in.  My strength-training program has suffered a bit – but overall, I have not missed my workouts.  If anything, I have been intensifying my cardio, despite my fatigue.  So, tomorrow, I am taking a step back. 

I need to regroup and refocus and recharge.

Today, I am planning on going for a light run to clear my head; and I really want to get in a P90X session.  (It’s been about a week and a half since I’ve used P90X – though I have been enjoying Yuri’s Fitter U Fitness Month 1 workouts here and there over the last 3 weeks.  It is almost impossible to believe that a sweat-inducing, muscle-burning strength-training session could be done in less than 25 minutes!)

After today, the weekend will be here, and I am going to take some time to back away from the workouts and spend more time resting and catching up with family.  The added bonus for my mental clarity is that, because it’s a holiday weekend, I will be able to take day off from work…which will be glorious!  That alone, will be like medicine to my mind and body.

Then, next week, I plan to be better – more energy – more motivation – more positive results from the efforts that I put in.

I think that what I am feeling is a fairly common scenario.  When we’re dedicated to our training and fitness levels, it can be all too easy to do too much, all of the time.

I have a 5K coming up in 8 days – and I want that experience to feel exhilarating and not exhausting.  I think that by taking a few steps back over the course of the next 3 days or so, I will be able to help myself get to a better point for that event.

Wish me luck.  What are some of your strategies for scaling back without slacking off?  Any advice?

- Shannon