Balancing Workload to Promote Long-Term Health
By: Mitch Kramer
Training and exercise come with many benefits, but they also present barriers, one of which is overtraining. To avoid overtraining, it is important to be aware of how training affects our bodies and how to balance the workload to make exercise and healthy living sustainable. Understanding how training builds and breaks down the body requires us to monitor our workouts to identify areas that need balancing.
Awareness:
Pay attention to your body and how it feels.
Be in tune with how each exercise activates different muscles.
Understand your energy levels and recognize when you need rest.
Monitoring & Progression:
Log your workouts to track progress.
Ensure progression is gradual to reduce the risk of injury and burnout.
Monitor the rate of work and recovery.
Continual adaptation allows the body and mind to sustain improvement long-term.
Considerations:
Determine the work-to-rest ratio that is best for you.
Nutrition is key to energy and recovery.
Alternate training modes and intensities throughout the year.
Understand when peak performance should be achieved during the in-season.
Every individual is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all plan that will work perfectly for everyone. It is ultimately up to you to be aware of your body and its energy levels, monitor progression, and know when to rest. If you want to succeed long-term, you need to be vigilant about always taking steps in the right direction for your health and avoid overworking yourself!