Athletes are continuously told that success comes from pushing themselves to the limit. This leads many to overtrain themselves and excessively exercise without adequate rest.
Many athletes overwork themselves in sports for several reasons that may include the pressure to perform, wanting to succeed, making varsity, impressing college recruiters, or meeting the expectations of coaches, parents, or themselves.
“Overtraining syndrome (OTS) is a condition that happens when you exercise too often or too intensely for long enough that it starts to hurt your body,” said Cleveland Clinic.
Overworking is not only the abundant training, but under recovery. Athletes who do not prioritize their health and nutrition after long and exhausting workouts are at risk of developing severe medical conditions.
There are various symptoms as a result of OTS that may include fatigue, decreased performance, muscle soreness or stiffness, delayed recovery, weight loss or gain, persistent illnesses, mood swings, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and much more.
High school student-athletes often overwork themselves because of the struggles to manage academic, sports, and social demands that can become mentally and physically harmful.
“My schedule has sacrificed a few of my friendships because some of my friends don’t understand the time commitment to sports. I am not able to hang out as much as they would like me too, not because of a lack of trying, but because my schedule is so extensive. However, I do try my best to make time for it because it is important,” said Melissa Warner.
“Since I am overworked I have adapted to this lifestyle. When I take long breaks I feel more anxious and less accomplished, but try to remember that I am doing a lot and it makes me feel good,” said Ali.
Overtraining can potentially lead students to struggle academically. While anticipating an upcoming game or coming home late after long practices, athletes are physically and mentally drained and lack the motivation and concentration necessary to focus in school.
“I try to prioritize my sleep by doing homework throughout the day and getting ahead, especially during busy weeks where I must manage lacrosse and tech week for music. I have noticed that I tend to get very sick after stressful and tiring weeks while still going to events, but I try to block off my weekends so I have time to myself,” said Warner.
Overtraining and the symptoms correlating is alarming because it is a vulnerable and stressful stage in their lives where their bodies are still developing and they must experience and navigate the several challenges associated while transitioning into adulthood.
“Coaches can put you down and I think I am those types of people who need validation from others sometimes because that feeling of accomplishment comes through other people and not always myself and when I do not I can become frustrated that I am putting all this work in but nothing comes out of it,” said Ali.
Coaches and parents should notice if athletes are overworked and remind them that resting does not mean they are “weak,” but will positively impact their performance in the long run.
Athletes tend to overlook or simply ignore the symptoms of overtraining and continue to push themselves harder believing that these are signs of improvement or these are the sacrifices they must endure to become a great athlete.
“Sophmore year was a difficult time for me because I was putting a lot of work into lacrosse, yet I was still not pulled up which was annoying and I began to lose the desire to keep pushing myself,” said Warner.
Overtraining leads athletes to experience burnout, which is mental and physical exhaustion, causing many to lose passion for the game. This reveals why so many athletes tend to quit during or after their high school season.
“I constantly think about quitting especially in sports that I deem unnecessary because soccer is my main sport. On the bright side, this year I quit lacrosse due to several factors, but it was a sport that was not necessary and it was kind of a breakthrough to quit and shocked me,” said Ali.
Sports should not come at the expense of a person’s well being. Athletes must prioritize rest and realize that overworking themselves without taking the necessary steps to replenish their body threatens their physical and mental health.
