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Am I Over-Training?
Sometimes, our enthusiasm- or desire to see results- gets the best of us and we do too much too fast.  This is likely to happen in the gym if we are pushing ourselves hard.  Our bodies need times of exercise and times of rest- getting this balance out of whack can stall progress.  Keep this checklist handy for times when you think you might be over-training.

Overtraining Indicator Scale

Place a check mark next to each sentence that describes how you have been feeling over the past several days if these feelings are different than what you typically experience.
 
Over the past several days…

__________My muscles feel sore.
__________I have experienced poor sleep quality.
__________I feel depressed or blue.
__________I feel irritated or angry.
__________I feel fatigued, tired or exhausted.
__________I feel stressed.
__________I feel weak when I exercise.
__________I have lost muscle strength.
__________I am less motivated to exercise.
 
If you have checked more than two, you are most likely over-training.  Check with your doctor for any medical issues, including vitamin deficiencies and check with your mental health provider regarding emotional upsets or diagnoses.  And, get your work- rest cycle in balance. 

You are doing great! See you next week!

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This information should not serve as a replacement for therapy.  Please visit the Can Therapy Help Me page for more information if you think you may have an eating disorder, or should require individualized help.
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