Tipping The Balance

OVERTRAINING CAN HAVE CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES ON PERFORMANCE, AS LINDSY WOODFORD REPORTS

- Lindsay Woodford

WHAT SETS high performance athletes apart? Exceptional physical features, together with high commitment and motivation are important attributes, but so are unique mental and emotional states. And when faced with frustrating setbacks, the same qualities of commitment and motivation that elevate athletes above the pressures of competition can make them their own worse enemies.

It is not uncommon for elite athletes, especially younger athletes, to push themselves too far, to overreach and experience extreme fatigue on a regular basis. Such excessive training loads coupled with insufficient recovery can mean they never reach their full potential. So, what are the warning signs and what can be done to prevent this catastrophic cascade of events?

Why we need recovery

Recovery following vigorous training is essential for improving athletic performance. In normal circumstances, most athletes will experience some level of fatigue, depression, feelings of burnout, anxiety, irritability and difficulty concentrating or sleeping when participating in heavy training or competition.