By Lee Bell, Sheffield Hallam University — The Conversation UK — 9 September 2020
Overtraining syndrome results in long-term reduced physical performance and can take weeks, months or even years to recover from. Though mainly caused by excessive exercise, it can be accelerated by life stress, poor sleep and dieting. There is no single test to identify it — the only reliable method is to track how long recovery takes. Common symptoms include long-term decrease in sports performance, less motivation to exercise, low mood, muscle soreness, and general fatigue. Endurance athletes are most at risk, with research showing up to 60% of high-level runners could experience overtraining syndrome in their career. The best recovery tool is to manage training — take a break from challenging exercise and prioritise sleep and nutrition.