Overtraining?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2004
Overtraining?
7
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 2:50pm

Kind of related to the questions I asked a few days ago.


What are the signs of overtraining?


I am tired all of the time but I think I need more protein and whole lot less stress so I am sure I have some of those things to work on.


However, I have noticed my drive is GONE.


I want to get up and go, and I know its good for me, and to be honest I would have never thought I could have come as far as I have.


The fact is I still need to drop some more weight so I am leery of changing what has worked for me. I alternate days running/walking and weights. I always do abs.


I have looked into some group runs and I am going to try one, I am also going to join a Soccer team in the fall when I move. So that being said I will have a little variety.


I am struggling with the guilt of giving up a day here and there. I don't want to fall back to one day is ok , two won't kill me and than never going again. Been there done that.


Suggestions? I am going to speak to a trainer tonight as well. I am hoping they can be of some assistance. I can't afford a bunch of sessions but a few might do the trick.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-27-2003
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 3:00pm

Okay, I'm not knocking WW, I actually think it works and it can be healthy if the dieter is smart, but...

I see a lot of people on WW who get really tired and burned out when they start exercising like a non-dieter. I think you should stick to the program, since it has worked so well for you, but maybe you could talk to your "dietician" (not really sure who you talk to for advice and support on ww) about maybe subbing certain types of food that will help with energy and strength.

As Jen said below, when you train you need more sleep. Make sure you are resting and sleeping at least 8 hours.

Finally, I think you should take a day off. I know that you are nervous about doing so, but you will actually see good results by laying off a bit. One, you will workout harder on the days that you still go. Two, your body needs a break! Trust me, I am hard headed about taking days off. I am struggling with the fact that I can only workout once a day (I'm used to three-a-days). When I first went down to once a day I noticed that I lost weight and looked healthier. Of course now I am putting on baby pounds and spreading out all over the place, but that does not apply to you :)

I'm no expert, but I thought I would let you know what I know :)

Paula

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 3:03pm

Here's an article about overtraining with the symptoms.


http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/overtraining.htm


But, even if you're not really overtraining, if you feel like you are, it could be a sign to ease up or to change some of what you're doing.






iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 3:29pm

i think a session with a trainer is a good idea, as is joining a running group or sports team.


in terms of feeling guilty about cutting back because it may lead to never going again, it won't. overtraining is more likely to lead to never going again than cutting back is. you don't have to worry about "sliding" as long as you make a plan and stick to it. it's fine to change that plan to be 5 days a week instead of six. it is one thing to change your plan to work out 4 days a week instead of 6 and it is a completely DIFFERENT thing to plan to work out 6 days a week and only end up working out 4 days a week because you blew off the other two days. realizing you need to cut back on days is TOTALLY different than just blowing off workouts.


the point is not to work out as much as possible, but to

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 3:34pm

all good points.


now that i think of it, your food does seem to be light on calories jodi. paula makes a very good point that you need to eat enough to fuel your workouts.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2004
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 4:09pm

Any suggestions as to menu revamps?


I know if I am not eating enough I won't loose either.


I am trying to get more protien in. I am not a huge fanatic of red meat, but I do like chicken, seafood and such.


I am allowed 22pts a day on WW roughly 100calories is 2pts.


You can earn extra points with activity but you don't have to eat those. I normally don't and that has worked for me so far.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 4:51pm

Even though you're doing WW, you could try to put your food into a food journal like fitday.com to see not only how many calories you're eating but also






iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2004
Wed, 04-13-2005 - 5:48pm

Hi Cowgirl. I'm not a professional but it sounds to me like you are doing a good thing by discussing these things with your trainer and joining the soccer team so that you are not bored with your workouts.