How to recognize overtraining
The excessive physical and psychological tension to which certain athletes are subjected can lead to the so-called overtraining or overtraining syndrome. This condition designates a fairly complex picture, in which the athlete complains of poor motivation, decreased performance level and a series of symptoms characteristics (listed in full in the following article).
The test proposed on this page, also known as the orthostatic heart rate test (Orthostatic Heart Rate Test) investigates the degree of stress of the athlete and, consequently, his health.
We know that one of the classic symptoms of overtraining is the alterations in heart rate (higher at rest and lower - with the same fatigue - in training). This test, which simply requires a stopwatch and the ability to take your pulse manually or by heart rate monitor, takes advantage of these alterations.
Execution
- lie down and rest for at least 15 minutes
- record heart rate (HR1)
- get up
- after 15 seconds measure your heart rate again (HR2)
- calculate the difference between R2 and R1
Interpretation of results
If this difference exceeds 15-20 beats it is likely that the athlete has not adequately recovered from the last workout or is stressed for other reasons. It is therefore necessary to seriously consider the possibility of decreasing the volume and intensity of the training program.
