Overtraining" and How to Avoid It ?

   What is "Overtraining" and How to Avoid It ??

Overtraining is the trainee's number one "enemy" next to training injuries. Overtraining results from an imbalance between the amount of stress applied to your body, and your ability to adapt to it. Overtraining results in losses in size and strength and actually also increases the probability of illness.


Here is a list of some of the symptoms of overtraining:

• Decreased muscle size and strength.
• Longer-than-average recovery time after a workout.
• Elevated waking pulse rate.
• Elevated morning blood pressure.
• Increased joint and muscle aches.
• Headaches
• Hand Tremors
• Tiredness
• Listlessness
• Insomnia
• Loss or decrease in appetite.
• Injury
• Illness

So what biochemical mechanism leads to this over trained state?   After the onset of high-intensity training exercise the body pumps out cortisol  which breaks down protein into their constituent amino acids and routes them  to the liver for conversion to glucose.   The longer the workout, the more cortisol is pumped in and the more protein  is destroyed.  This causes a "catabolic state" as the largest supply of protein lies in the  muscles so that is where the cortisol goes first.   Research  has shown that one hour of intense  strength training will increase the protein stores in our immune and skeletal  systems, but that any further training will only begin to deplete these stores.   Overtraining can force the body into a weakened physical state, which, at  best can produce a cold or the flu and, at worst, can tear muscles ligaments,  and tendons once these body parts lose their structural integrity protein loss.   The culprit is a built-in "survival" drug hormone called cortisol. Immediately  following a high intensity effort, the body pumps out this hormone whose  function is simple: It carries off the proteins to the liver, where they are  converted into glucose, for energy use in the body.   Why does this weaken our defense mechanisms? Because all our immune  systems are based on proteins, and the influx of control in our biological mix  steals the proteins that make up our immune system.    Researchers at Loma Linda University found that athletes who train  twice as intensely as normally prescribed will wind up with twice as many colds,  and viruses.   They investigated the athletes for cortisol. He found that astonishingly,  after only ONE grueling strength training session, their bodies revealed a 60%  increase in cortisol production.   Among the first proteins to go were the T-cells that make up our front line of  defense against viruses. This watchdog system was depleted by more than 30  percent. However, this shortfall lasted only 6-8 hrs.   So you're probably thinking "What's the big deal? Is putting your body at risk  for only 6-8 hours such a high price to pay?"   Well, The researchers found that after a few days of such  exercising, the "at risk" time became longer and longer, until the T-cells  stopped rejuvenation.   In addition, the body's first line of defense against bacteria and viruses an  antibody known as IgA, which is found in the saliva, was reduced to nearly  non-protective levels.   The conclusion of the researchers was that athletes can over train themselves  into illness.   Thus the logical conclusion would be that high intensity strength training  should be limited to one hour or less to restrict the amount of protein destruction. Other ways to reduce the risk of overtraining:  Emphasize carbohydrates: make them 60-70% of your total diet. Take  carbohydrates two hours prior to exercising and immediately following  exercise. Research has shown that your fatigued muscles seem most  responsive to energy storage within the first 30 minutes following your  workout. There is a lesser response for the next 10 hours. Take protein  one to two hours before and immediately following exercise. Again I use  regular food, but I see no problem with supplementation to save time  (at the expense of more money however). Research has also shown your  body to be more receptive to protein immediately following a workout.  Continue eating high carbohydrate foods every 2 hours during the first  4 to 6 hours after hard training. During the first 6 hours post-exercise,  simple sugars appear to replace muscle glycogen better than complex  carbohydrates. Post-exercise muscle glycogen storage can be enhanced  with a combination carbohydrate-protein supplement as a result of the  interaction of carbohydrate and protein on insulin secretion. The addition  of protein with carbohydrates can allow for a more rapid return recovery.  Drink a re-hydration beverage during and after exercise, for example,  Gatorade. Take periodic layoffs. Use the best "miracle supplement" there is - WATER.  You can't "overdose" on water. The worst side effect you can get as mentioned  previously, is a few more trips to the washroom. Your body functions optimally  when it is fully hydrated. A general recommendation is to consume at least  128 ounces (one gallon) of water a day. During hot weather you should double  or triple this amount. LEAVE YOUR WORKOUT IN THE GYM  Give your undivided attention to your training when your in the gym. But when  you're outside the gym, cast your attention to other things in life. Establish  your other priorities, set goals, and keep busy. There are many athletes who  fall into the trap of letting their mind continually dwell on training. Train  hard when your in the gym, but try and relax more when your not. Stress has  been shown to increase levels of CORTISOL in the body - the catabolic hormone , so try to find ways to manage stress in your life and relax, and your results  will be improved.