Overtraining in athletes can occur when there is an imbalance between training stress and recovery, leading to a continuous decrease in performance over time despite increased training. Common symptoms of overtraining syndrome (OTS) include chronic fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite and focus. OTS results from inadequate recovery from repeated bouts of intense training. To prevent and treat OTS, athletes should emphasize recovery, vary their training, and avoid overworking one area for a prolonged period through proper periodization of their training plan.

1. Over Training Athletes

2. Purpose of
Athletes
Training?
To provide continuous training
stimulus with adequate variety,
recovery and progression to:
Facilitate optimum performance at
the right time(s)
Avoid OTS
Minimize injury

3. What is
overtraining
syndrome?
A condition characterized by:
A continuous decrease in performance both
in training or competition over an extended
period of time.
A continuous perceived increased effort
required to deliver same performance.
Failure to show progression or improvement
in ones performance
ALL despite increased training

4. Words athletes commonly use to describe
how they feel when over trained.
Chronically
Fatigued
Over
Fatigued,
Overstrained,
Frustrated,
Depressed, Stale, Overworked,
Stressed, Board, Burnt Out,

5. Overload
training stimulus

adequate recovery

training increase
(as appropriate)

 performance
Over-Reaching
training stimulus

inadequate recovery

repeated (+ ) training

 performance

rest

Full recovery in 2-3weeks
Overtraining
training stimulus

inadequate recovery

repeated (+ ) training

 performance

No recovery with rest

6. Common symptoms of OTS
general fatigue
 energy
 enthusiasm
 motivation
Irritable & Restless
Anxious
Appetite Change
 Focus

7. What causes OTS?
Its an Imbalance between
Training   Recovery

8. Initiating events that can be the
trigger to starting on the path to
being over trained
• Big increases in volume / intensity of training
• Monotony of training
• Illness (disease / infection)
• Caloric restriction /  carbohydrate intake
• Iron deficiency
• Personal / Emotional Problems

9. Treatment and Prevention
•  Recovery days
• Periodization
•  Variety in Training
• Avoid high intensity over
prolonged period
• Avoid overworking one
area or component of
fitness