Given the right subject, that inspires a blend of enthusiasm and passion, humans can be unstoppable. Part of what we would like to do at Associates in Chiropractic is unlock this passion and enthusiasm for diet and exercise that we think is innate within everyone. However, what about the opposite end of the spectrum, when we take a work out too far? Overtraining is a very human syndrome that relates to the reward complex in our brain. We think: work more, get more, but this is not always the case and especially when it relates to pushing your body, there is a point of diminishing returns. Signs that you have overtrained include:

• Depression
• Aches and pains
• Underperformance, feeling drained after a standard workout
• Concentration struggles
• Personality and mood changes
• Chronic fatigue 

Listening to your body is so important in the gym; your internal monitor is actually your greatest ally. Avoiding the pitfalls of overtraining requires that you listen to your intuition, give yourself the proper amount of rest, observe the equation whereby muscle protein synthesis must be greater than muscle protein breakdown, drink enough water during and after workouts and realize when you’ve pushed too far. Many of the above symptoms are exacerbated by nervous system imbalances, which in turn can be caused by too much physical activity and not enough rest. At Associates in Chiropractic, we have the expertise to help you when you have pushed too hard. Chiropractic is a great tool for athletes looking to improve their recovery times, rehabilitate injuries and muscle strains and keep the spine in balanced which helps optimize every system in the body. 

Dr. Albert Stabile, D.C.