What is Overtraining in Athletes

Overtraining is when an athlete trains too hard or for too long. Overtraining can cause a variety of problems. It can hurt athletic performance, lead to injury, and cause physical and mental symptoms. Overtraining is also called burnout.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by working too hard and too long at a sport or activity. It happens when the body does not have enough time to recover. This condition can happen:

• If you repeat the same motions every day, with no variety in activity.
• If you practice the same sport for more than 5 days a week with no break during those 5 days.
• If you practice the same sport for more than 10 months a year with no break during those 10 months.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in:

• Adolescents whose bodies are still developing and growing.
• Athletes who specialize in one sport.
• Athletes who do not take adequate breaks between days of practice or between seasons of competition.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Joint and muscle pain.
• Fast heart rate.
• Loss of appetite.
• Getting sick more often than before.
• Fatigue.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Lack of usual interest in a sport.
• Difficulty completing usual routines and practices.
• Changes in personality, such as being irritable or moody.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on symptoms and the history of physical activity. Your health care provider may do a physical exam.

How is this treated?

This condition is treated by making changes to your usual routine. Changes may include:

• Resting regularly.
• Taking a break from your training.
• Adding more variety into your workouts. This will also help prevent repetitive use injuries.
• Reducing your training and competition schedule.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Rest as told by your health care provider.
• Make changes to your usual routine as recommended by your health care provider.

How is this prevented?

• Focus on variety and fun in athletic training, rather than on repetition and intensity.
• Take breaks between practices and seasons as needed.
• Do not increase repetitions, distance, or other training goals by more than 10 percent each week.
• Do not push yourself too hard.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have lasting joint and muscle pain.
• Your resting heart rate is faster than normal.
• You are getting sick more often than before.
• You lose your appetite.
• You feel sad.
• You have trouble concentrating or doing daily tasks.