How do you know you are overtraining and how do I recover?

If you are posting this question, then my guess is you may already be overtraining or you wouldn't be asking.

Overtraining can create a myriad of responses from injury to sleeplessness and discouragement and it is specific to every individual and their goals. The specifics of the situation would need to be reviewed as there is no "blanket" answer for overtraining or recovery. However, overtraining can easily be avoided with a proper balanced program tailored to you. I have athletes who train several hours a day, so the key is training smart. You want to make sure that in addition to your goals, your program is addressing your bio mechanics to avoid injury, and you are providing proper nutrients to your body during the "anabolic window" after your workouts. A nutrition program that is structured and designed around your exercise, work/school schedule is vital.

The best way to resolve this is to have a knowledgeable trainer review what you are doing and possibly redevelop a program that is going to maximize your benefits and achieve your results, while minimizing your risk of injury and discouragement. I am always happy to review programming problems, so feel free to send me an email at bodyarch@verizon.net or contact me at http:///www.facebook.com/bodyarch.