Overtraining is a natural hazard of competitive sports. Coaches and athletes, in their quest for better performance, follow intense training programs in the hope of gaining an edge over the competition. However, a fine line exists between programs that improve condition and those leading to overtraining and illness.
Overtraining is an imbalance between training and recovery. The consequences can be sever, and include decreased performance, colds and flu, injury, depressed immunity and psychological depression. Training programs must be intense enough to improve fitness and skill, yet provide enough rest to ensure adequate recovery. Chronically-over-trained athletes who get injured or crash may never reach their former levels of performance.
Researchers from the University of Illinois, in a review of literature, concluded that prolonged intense exercise suppresses the immune system and increases the risk of upper respiratory infections. Moderate-intensity exercise, on the other hand, improves immunity and decreases the risk of illness. The training program must be hard enough to promote fitness and improve immunity, but not so hard that it results in serious illness or injury. Hard work is important for increased fitness, muscle mass and strength, but overwork leads to break-down and failure.
Exercise Sports Science Reviews, Muscular Development January 2010
Mike Fonseca
Head Virtual Coach
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