What is overtraining syndrome?

Overtraining syndrome is characterized as a state resulting from excessive training without adequate rest and recovery. It occurs when athletes train intensively over an extended period without allowing their bodies sufficient time to recuperate. This leads to a decrease in performance and can manifest in a variety of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms.

When the body is subjected to high levels of stress without proper recovery, it can result in fatigue, decreased strength, altered sleep patterns, and mood disturbances. This imbalance between training and recovery can also affect the immune system and lead to an increased risk of injuries.

While inadequate training can lead to underperformance and some injuries could be an outcome of training errors, overtraining syndrome specifically highlights the complications that arise from pushing the body beyond its limits without the necessary restorative periods. Therefore, the correct understanding of overtraining syndrome centers on the excessive nature of training without the essential element of rest.