Are your workout routines making you overtrain?

If you feel burnt out, fatigued, and you intensity levels are declining in your workout routines, then you're probably suffering from overtraining...

Many people, especially beginners, have the "more is better" mentality, so they go to the gym every single day for long durations at high intensity levels, and they see results for a little while, but inevitably, the workout routines catch up to them and overtraining sets in?

Are you one of these people? Here's why you want to avoid overtraining:

The ability of your muscles to repair is much faster than the ability of your internal organs and immune system to repair. As you know, to sustain a mid-to-high level intense workout, you need more than just your muscles. You need your heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and various energy systems that are linked to the majority of your internal organs.

So, if you're working out every single day at high intensities and for long durations, then you're just not giving your organs a break. Also, you need a break psychologically, so you can bounce back and perform better than ever.

Our recommendation is that you workout no more than 2 to 3 days in a row without taking a day off. Basically, for every 2 to 3 days your workout, take one day off for complete rest and recovery.

Think of it as a mini-vacation in which you're getting paid. While your body repairs itself on that rest day, your metabolism will stay high and you'll be in a perfect state to build muscle and/or lose fat. Either way you win, so don't think of rest as hurting you at all!

Now, if you're working out at low intensities, you can afford to do your workout routines up to 6 times a week. Or, if you're switching between high intensities and low intensites for active recovery, the your organs aren't taking quite the same beating.

Other possible reasons for fatigue and lack of results are inadequate and/or improper nutrition, lack of hydration, and lack of sleep. Make sure to eat a diet that's high in protein and good carbs, with some good fats. Good carbs would include any fruit and vegetable sources and whole grains, and good fats would include olive oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, fish oil, and etc. Avoid junk food like the plague, it does you no good.

Also, get 5-7 meals a day to always promote recovery. You'll be surprised at what a huge difference meal frequency makes on your results and your energy levels. Keep hydrated, because lots of water is essential for recovery. Try to double the daily 64 oz guideline for maximum results after grueling workout routines.

Learn how to make the most out of your workout routines here…

Looking for muscle building advice?

Wanna know fast ways to burn fat?