Feeling "Achy and Fatigued"

Feeling Achy and Fatigue

A particular Florida Body-for-LIFE group member wrote a while back, that he was constantly feeling "achy and fatigued" between workouts .One of the most disturbing comments/replies from another group member suggested that this was "normal" and to "keep on pushing himself even harder(!!)" That suggestion is pretty scary!... What that 84 Day Challenge participant is experiencing is symptomatic of overtraining. Overtraining, by the way, is not as uncommon as one might believe. Remember we all have an adaptive response to exercise stress that is unique. What one person can withstand may be far too great for another. Overtraining simply refers to "performing any more exercise than is required to stimulate an increase in subsequent performance, strength or size." Correctly regulating the intensity, volume and frequency of the workouts is imperative for continued success.

The Body-for-LIFE book and approach is a great template for the majority of trainees, yet in the long run there is really no "one-size-fits-all" perfect pattern in exercise, just as the exact nutritional needs of one person/athlete may vary greatly from that of another. Do you really believe that Arnold Schwarzenegger (performance drugs and all) and Woody Allen would benefit by following the exact training and nutritional need protocols? The actual requirements are the same for both, however. (Tax the body beyond its normal anticipated levels with properly performed and regulated exercise, then allow the recovery/compensation process to occur through proper nutrition, rest, and tranquility). Think about it-Nowhere in the tenents of true fitness are constantly feeling "achy and fatigued" to be found !! Excessive soreness and fatigue aside, examples of other signs may be: 1. An elevated pulse upon awaking in the morning 2. Diminished strength and enthusiasm 3. Loss of appetite 4.General feeling of malaise 5. Inability to achieve a "pump"(although this could also be related to insufficient glycogen levels) and, 6. Altered sleep patterns, as a few examples.

In reference to muscular soreness, my personal feeling is to let excessive soreness subside before training said bodypart again.There may be instances whereby training a "sore" muscle to offset calcium leakage or lactic acid accumulation may alleviate mild discomfort, although there are conflicting studies as to the actual role of accumulation (as being causative) and"clearing"(as being beneficial) in regard to lactic acid .

After all, always feeling sore is not necessary to provide a successful environment for muscular growth--one could fall asleep on the couch in an awkward position and wake up the next morning and be sore---that has nothing to do with becoming more fit, strong or muscular.

-Eric Shrieves