What does the term "overtraining" refer to in sports?

The term "overtraining" refers specifically to a condition that arises from an unsustainable training regimen. It occurs when an athlete trains beyond their body's ability to recover, leading to fatigue and a decrease in performance. Overtraining can manifest as physical fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and decreased motivation, which are detrimental to both the mental and physical aspects of athletic performance.

When an athlete consistently engages in high-intensity training without allowing for adequate recovery, the body begins to break down, and the recovery processes are overwhelmed. This results can include symptoms such as increased injury rates, mood swings, and a lack of performance improvement despite increased training efforts, which are critical indicators of overtraining syndrome. By understanding this, athletes and coaches can better manage training loads to optimize performance while minimizing the risks associated with overtraining.