Exercise for Beginners - Overtraining

As a beginner, you may not even be thinking about overtraining. But, you're definitely at risk since doing too much too soon can make you feel fatigued and can even cause an injury. The symptoms of overtraining include:

• Insomnia
• Achiness or pain in the muscles and/or joints
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Elevated morning pulse
• Sudden inability to complete workouts
• Feeling unmotivated and lacking energy
• Increased susceptibility to colds, sore throats and other illnesses
• Loss in appetite
• Decrease in performance

If you realize that your workouts are suffering and you've lost interest and energy, it's a great time to take a break from your routine. This could mean a few days to a week of complete rest, or doing something low key such as yoga or stretching. The trick is to listen to your mind and your body and allow them to take a break if they need it. You'll come back to exercise refreshed and energized.

More Resources:

Are You Exercising Too Much?
Should You Exercise With an Injury?
Sports Medicine

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