Chronic Over-Training Leads to Degenerative Joint Conditions

You shouldn't workout every day. Workouts include resistance training, cardio training, bootcamps, endurance training (triathlons, marathons, group exercise, etc.).....You have to let your body recover and rebuild itself. You will generally need 1-2 days rest each week from workouts. Recovery may include massage therapy.

Over-training is common with many people. How do you know if you are over-training? Here are some physical and performance signs:

1. Sluggishness
2. Lack of control during exercises
3. Longer rest periods are needed between sets
4. You are usually tired before your workouts
5. You are stressed out (when exercise should be your stress-buster!)
6. You get sick often
7. Increasing joint pain

Other signs of over-training can include: depression, concentration problems, sleep disorders and eating disorders.

See my article here 10 Warning Signs of Female Over-Training

Don't think that you are being smart, or tough, by working out every day of the week. You can be a "workout warrior" and still be smart about it. Trust me, your body will break down if you don't treat it right. The cumulative effect of various injuries will take its toll on you. And, that could lead to chronic or degenerative injuries.

Chronic injuries can be caused by over-training, muscle imbalances and uncorrected postural problems.

Furthermore, muscle imbalances and postural problems are made worse by over-training. And, since chronic injuries come on gradually, you are more apt to "play through the pain." Leave that attitude to people getting paid to compete. You need to take care of the only body you have.

Degenerative conditions can become non-reversible and many are associated with long-term joint problems. Sometimes, previously unrehabilitated injuries turn into degenerative conditions (such as low back problems, shoulder problems or knee problems). Some arthritic conditions are brought on by the cumulative effect of previous injuries.

You can stay active without doing a workout. A big part of the fitness lifestyle is to stay as active as possible when you aren't working out. By staying active, you keep your fat burning enzymes and metabolism active.

Here are 7 Ways to stay active between workouts:

1. walk 30 moderately-paced minutes,
2. go swimming,
3. take a 30 minute bike ride after dinner,
4. take walking breaks at work,
5. walk or bike when you can instead of driving the car,
6. walk your dog, or
7. do yardwork or house chores.

Remember, all movement burns calories.

It is not uncommon to take a week off from workouts if you are a veteran of the workout arena.

Don't underestimate the importance of rest and recovery during your exercise program.

Be sure and download your Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts and start shaping your body faster!

Mark Dilworth, BA, PES

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About Mark

Hi, I'm Mark Dilworth, Nutritionist, Dietary Strategies Specialist, Nutrition for Metabolic Health Specialist and Lifestyle Weight Management Specialist. Since 2006, I have helped thousands of clients and readers make lifestyle habit changes which includes body transformation and ideal body weight.