A consistent workout routine is one of the best foundations for your overall well-being. It requires discipline and energy, but when you see the tangible results of exercise, it quickly becomes a non-negotiable commitment.
However, despite all your dedication and passion, you may realise that you have veered into counterproductive territory.
One of the most common signs that your routine is unhealthy is persistent fatigue or chronic exhaustion. It’s important to distinguish this from the satisfying tiredness that follows a challenging workout. This feels different. You will develop a weariness that won’t go away with a good night’s sleep. If you constantly feel drained, struggle to get through the day or feel overwhelming dread at the thought of your next workout, your body is probably signalling that you are in a state of overtraining or insufficient recovery. You’re not being lazy; it’s your body’s physiological response to excessive stress.
Another red flag to watch out for is chronic pain or frequent injuries that keep recurring. While muscle soreness is normal when building strength, persistent joint pain and recurring strains or overuse injuries that won’t heal are clear signs that something is wrong.
These issues often indicate inadequate recovery, improper form, or an imbalanced training programme that places undue stress on specific areas without allowing for adaptation and repair. Failure to address these issues can lead to more severe, long-term musculoskeletal problems that could prevent you from engaging in physical activity altogether.
Beyond the physical, your sleep patterns and mood can also offer vital clues. If you are experiencing sleep disturbances such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking or restless, unrefreshing sleep despite intense physical exertion, then your system is likely overstressed. Unexplained mood changes, increased irritability, heightened anxiety, and feelings of depression or apathy can be subtle signs of burnout.
This may be happening because your body is in a ‘fight or flight’ state due to excessive training.
If you notice plateaus or regression in your fitness goals, it’s a strong sign that your body isn’t responding as it should to the training load. This could be due to a lack of adequate rest, during which time true physical adaptations take place.
Alternatively, it could stem from a weakened immune system, characterised by frequent colds, lingering illnesses of unknown origin, or a general feeling of being run down. This means that your body’s resources are being depleted faster than they are replenished.
By Esther Muchene
