What constitutes overtraining?

Overtraining is characterized by excessive training without sufficient recovery time. This condition occurs when an individual engages in high levels of physical training, while not allowing their body to recover properly. Recovery is crucial as it enables the body to repair and adapt to the stresses of training. Without adequate rest, the body can become fatigued and its performance may diminish, leading to decreased strength, endurance, and overall athletic performance.

In contrast, a decrease in physical activity does not constitute overtraining; rather, it may be a response to feeling exhausted or a method to allow the body to recover. Increased rest and recovery is beneficial and not associated with overtraining, as this helps the body rebuild and strengthen. Additionally, while strict adherence to a training regimen is important for maintaining consistency and achieving training goals, it does not alone lead to overtraining. It's the balance between training and recovery that defines healthy training practices.