Feeling "Achy and Fatigued"
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