Overtraining vs Undertraining

It has come to my recent attention that many individuals (coaches and athletes) are not fully monitoring their overall training volumes. In order to achieve a maximum performance output, training loads must be monitored throughout a WHOLE training period. Meaning, everything from pre-season, in-season and post-season should be taking into account. Now, I will do my best to keep this post as brief as possible!

When I am coaching high end athletes, I make it an important duty to reduce monotony and strain which will reduce potential risk of injury. In doing so, I prescribe and monitor certain loads throughout specific times of the year (depending on the athletes sport). 

A very good research article by fellow Australian Sport Scientist, Tim Gabbett, investigates an athlete's "training-injury prevention paradox" [1]. Gabbett discusses how the 'sweet spot' (ideal volume) can heavily reduce the risk of injury, thus increasing their performance output. His findings indicated the relationship between high training volume and injuries. 

Gabbett's illustration of how training loads affect soft tissue injury 

Pictured above is a very simple illustration (taken from Gabbett's study) indicating the potential risks with high and low training loads. The key to getting your athlete to perform at high level is about finding their 'sweet spot' in regards to load and total volume!

NOT to say that high amounts of volume is not necessary, but the athlete's training status, sport, position etc need to be taken into account. Remember that programming and coaching athletes is a COMPLETELY different approach to weight loss clients.

Take home message; DON'T chase exhaustion, chase performance!

Coach Alex

[1] Gabbett, Tim J. "The Training—Injury Prevention Paradox: Should Athletes Be Training Smarterandharder?". British Journal of Sports Medicine 50.5 (2016): 273-280. Web.