Factors that contribute to overtraining

Several factors contribute to overtraining, most of which stem from a lack of information. Most individuals who start training or implementing an exercise regimen into their schedules tend to forget that proper goals must get set prior to starting, and that every goal requires a different set of important steps in order to achieve it.

#1 – Oversetting the Goal

Weight loss, one of the most popular physical fitness goals, often causes major overtraining issues. Burning an excessive amount of calories through cardiovascular-based exercises tends to remain one of the most popular methods for achieving such a goal. Although this method truly works as an effective way to lose unwanted fat, the healthy limit for weight loss often becomes ignored when individuals attempt to lose large amounts of body weight on a weekly basis.

This scenario proves true for those looking to build muscle as well. Many people will spend hours in the gym performing numerous repetitions with weights and resistance machines in an attempt to increase muscle mass. However, when the body does not receive adequate energy and oxygen, it loses the ability to grow.

Trying to make excessive gains or losses in short periods of time often causes the largest degree of overtraining. Rather than setting a feasible goal with realistic expectations, this group of people expects to see immediate results. If those results do not appear, then they must spend even more time exercising.

#2 – Lack of Energy

Although this title seems contrary to the concept of overtraining, people have a greater chance of working too much when they do not consume a proper diet with nutritionally dense foods--this leads to a lack of energy.

The body and its muscles require energy through the consumption of whole food sources, water, oxygen and sometimes even supplements. Without a proper balance of nutrients, the body simply does not perform for extended periods of time as it would with apt energy. Therefore, overtraining happens in a short period.

This problem generally occurs in those individuals who attempt to lose weight rather than those who seek to gain lean mass. The diets for these two groups greatly differ, and in most cases, those with weight loss in mind will mistakenly consume smaller  amounts of food. Combined with vigorous exercise, a lack of adequate energy spoils the fitness advocate’s chance to achieve his or her goal in a timely manner.

#3 – Excessive Water Loss

The body requires several forms of energy, including fluids, in order to properly function for extended periods of time. However, a lack of liquids combined with moderate to excessive sweating rids the body of the extremely necessary energy source.  When the body loses too much water through sweating, other valuable nutrients also pass through the body. The liquid combination evaporates to cool the body, but once the liquid is gone, the internal temperate quickly increases.

The body works much like a car in that once it loses its necessary coolants, it becomes overheated and will eventually shut itself down. Overtraining happens much faster as a result of liquid loss.