I've got an easy job with today's article.
I'm handing you over to one of our coaches Sher who has written a piece on her experience of overtraining.
Usually my posts are aimed at getting you to be more active but today for a change it's to those who may be being so active that it's harming their results.
Over to Sher:
'You all know by now that I like to share tips and tricks that I learned on my own fitness journey. Here comes another one, it's not applicable to everyone yet but for some of you, it's the right time.
This tip is about over training, yes there is such a thing as doing too much. Training is a tool we use to help us reach our goal and before I knew differently I assumed doing more training would get me to my goal faster. As I got fitter and stronger I started doing more classes, I'd be in the gym 5 or 6 days a week, I would double up on sessions and try to give 110% in every session, moving faster and lifting heavier.
After a good few months of training this way I started to see and feel differently. It wasn't what I was expecting though, I was tired, I'd push myself in the sessions because 'this is what I do now', I was getting niggly injuries every other week and my body was slow to heal. Poor sleep, recurring colds, my muscles were sore for days and I was no closer to my goal.
If it wasn't for lockdown, I'd probably still be on that hamster wheel of overtraining Lockdown meant I was forced to change my routine. I was still training 3 or 4 times a week and I made sure to get out in nature and walk everyday.
I will be honest with you, I was frightened! I felt that I was losing my fitness level and thought I was heading straight back to square 1 with bells on. However, it was an eye opener! Over the months that past I realised a few things, I was feeling better in myself, sleeping better, less injuries and my soreness healed faster. I was able to lift heavier weights again, heavier than I could in the previous months and the biggest surprise of all I was getting closer to my goal, mind blown
For years I had assumed I wasn't seeing results because I wasn't spending enough time working out. The reality for me was I was doing too much and couple that with not giving my nutrition any time and attention meant my body had no energy left to make the changes I wanted to see.
Recent research has shown that the most effective way to train is 3 full body sessions a week, with rest days in between those sessions. At Fitter Bodies when you sign up that's exactly what we ask you to commit to, 3 sessions a week with Brucie Bonus 4th session of recovery and mobility on a Saturday morning. The mobility and recovery session with Ifan is in there for a reason, as is Olga's lovely stretch and relax class.
Relaxation and recovery are just as important on your journey as cardio and strength training. Now don't get me wrong, we love seeing you in the gym! I think I have the best job in the world but please remember YOU need to listen to YOUR body. Take the rest days! Go for a walk or a cycle, come to stretch and relax or mobility and recovery, maybe take a gym hour and make it a nutrition hour instead and prepare your lunches for the next few days, honestly your body will thank you for it.'
Great advice, so if you're smashing the training 5-6 times a week and not seeing results for your hard work then maybe it's time for a change?
Have a great weekend,
Jamie
