Overcoming energy SLUMPS!

This could be a result of overtraining, or it could just simply be lack of motivation or maybe a combination of the two, or maybe something else completely.  That's helpful, eh?

Overtraining is something that happens when you push your body beyond its limits to repair itself inbetween workouts.  Obviously as we get older, that recovery time increases.  In fact, as one ages, it is the thing that most people remark on.  Many, many people have mentioned that in their thirties they notice it takes longer to recover from workouts, or nights of binge drinking... than it did when they were twenty.  It's a fact of life.

Lack of motivation will cause the same kind of feeling.  Although, it sounds like you want to train, your body is just telling you no.  Another thing it could be is a nutrient deficiency.  How is your diet?  Are you eating enough to fuel the amount of training you are doing and to repair the damage done in the gym?

One way to determine if it is overtraining is to take your resting pulse immediately after waking up.  Do this for a few days and if it is elevated, your body is under stress and in that overtraining state.  If you are feeling irritable, fitless nights of sleep, lethargy, and seeing absolutely no benefit to your workouts, then those are also good indicators.

How to fix it? 

Stop training.  Give your body a good rest.  Sometimes it takes a week, sometimes more, but when your body has caught up so to speak, you'll feel re-invigorated and ready to go again.  Remember why you are training and focus your mind on that.  I know it seems like a waste of time to stop training, but you'll benefit in the long run.  However, starting up again is always a pain in the ass...

How to prevent overtraining in the first place? 

To prevent overtraining, you have to get plenty of rest.  That is where the work you do in the gym actually manifests itself.  Rob your body of that chance to repair itself and it will eventually shut down on you.  You can only go so long without changing your oil, your tires, or having your engine serviced.  Your body is really no different.  Second is to ensure you are supplying your body with the right fuel.  Food and nutrition are key to hard, prolonged training.  Without those two things, your body will eventually force you to listen which is what it sounds like yours is doing.

My Disclaimer

I'm not telling you what you are experiencing is actually overtraining.  It could be simpler than that or it could even be something more serious.  Listen to your body, though.  If it is telling you it needs a rest, then give it one.  It doesn't lie to you, you just have to learn to listen.  As always, perhaps you should seek medical advice if things don't improve...

Hey, thanks for that! It realy helps. Even though some of the things to do with overtraining and increased recovery times with age should have been more apparent to me, who really likes to admit these things, right? Thank you for putting things into perspective for me.

I guess the hardest thing to do is not to train, let the body do its thing AND remember that this isn't being lazy, but just the right thing to do with my goal in mind.

I will re-evaluate my training regime, nutrition plan and scheduled 'rest times' and let you know how I get on once I (hopefully) see some change.

One thing is for sure: It's not the motivation that is lacking! By the way, that is also partly because of this fantastic website. I have gained more insights and inspiration from this site than in most my previous years of boxing!

 THANKS!!!