The Reality of Overtraining

To start, overtraining does exist, but its implications are often overstated. There are certainly instances of individuals who pushed themselves too far in their workouts. Consider the vintage bodybuilders who took their training to extremes. While it can happen, it’s not something the average person should fret over.

Most individuals aren’t elite athletes. The typical person doesn’t boast a chiseled physique or sprint 100 meters in under ten seconds. In fact, many struggle to maintain a regular exercise routine, consuming more sugar than protein and spending most of their day sedentary.

It’s counterproductive to instill fear about overtraining in these individuals. Such warnings only serve as excuses for them to avoid taking action.

Personal Experience: A Case Against Overtraining

Let me share a personal story that illustrates why the notion of overtraining is misleading. During my last year at university, I was fully dedicated to the gym—perhaps to the exclusion of everything else. I trained daily, often spending two hours at a time there. Did I face the dreaded overtraining? Not at all.

The reason for this is simple: I wasn’t pushing myself to the extreme like a competitive bodybuilder aiming for Mr. Olympia. I trained for enjoyment, not to the point of failure or exhaustion. Though I recognized I wasn’t maximizing muscle growth, my focus was on enjoying the process of working out.

For the average person, overtraining is unlikely. Unless you’re involved in extreme sports or pushing your physical limits in an extraordinary way, it’s not a concern. In fact, striving for intense workouts can be a sign of commitment to your fitness journey, distinguishing you from those who view exercise as a casual activity.

Exploring My Training Regimen

Recently, I implemented a new training schedule:

• Monday — Kickboxing
• Tuesday — Push day (chest, triceps, and shoulders)
• Wednesday — Kickboxing
• Thursday — Pull day (back and biceps)
• Friday — Kickboxing
• Saturday — Leg day

After completing my first week, I felt amazing—despite a brief bout of food poisoning. To someone who spends most of their day seated, my routine might sound extreme. However, compared to athletes in high-level competitions, my efforts are minimal.

For instance, Sean Strickland, the UFC middleweight champion, would likely find my routine laughable. In comparison to his training regimen, mine would barely register as a workout.

Additionally, I plan to expand my activities further. Next on my list? Dancing.

Mindset Matters

It’s crucial to address mindset as well. Sedentary individuals often cling to the idea of overtraining, hoping to justify their inactivity. The notion that they could be incapacitated from training too hard is absurd. Instead of providing an easy excuse, we should encourage movement and activity.

With reports indicating that around 70 million Americans are obese, it’s vital to inspire people to simply start moving. Overtraining should not be a reason to avoid exercise; it’s merely a convenient excuse to avoid striving for better health.

Inspiration from History

Socrates famously stated, “It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Imagine trying to convince him of the complexities of overtraining; he’d likely urge you to do ten push-ups instead. We need more thinkers like Socrates and fewer self-proclaimed experts.

Thanks for reading, -Godfrey

Exploring the idea that overtraining is a myth, this video discusses why many lifters need not fear it.

This video dives into the debate surrounding overtraining and whether it truly exists or is merely a myth.