5 Signs of Workout Overload That You Should Keep a Close Eye On

Woman working out hard with a barbell
Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Working out on a regular basis comes with a long list of benefits, but there comes a time when you’ve had too much of a good thing. Working out too often and pushing yourself too hard may lead to workout burnout, and these are the most common signs of overload that you should look out for.

No Motivation

Lack of motivation is the most common sign of burnout. It’s pretty much impossible to enjoy your fitness routine in this state, and fully committing to it is more difficult than ever.

Performance Drop

Overtraining rarely leads to better performance that you’re hoping to achieve. Overload will make it difficult to focus and feel motivated for your workout, ironically leading to an eventual drop in performance.

Fatigue

Constant exhaustion is also a common sign of workout overload, especially if it’s paired with a disrupted sleep pattern that makes it even more difficult to get proper rest.

Appetite Decrease

The feeling of fatigue and lack of motivation may also be followed by a decrease in appetite. Diminished appetite and overtraining are a very bad combo because you won’t be fueling up your body with a sufficient amount of food.

Emotional State

Workout burnout can reflect on your mental health as well. If you’re constantly moody, stressed out, anxious, and irritable, it may be because you’re physically overloaded.