WHEN LESS CAN BE MORE: THE PITFALLS OF OVERTRAINING IN CROSSFIT
Julia Goldstein • 2023-12-23
Finding the right amount of volume is key for progress.
WHEN LESS CAN BE MORE: THE PITFALLS OF OVERTRAINING IN CROSSFIT
As CrossFit enthusiasts, our goal is to evolve into well-rounded athletes, proficient in every aspect of fitness. The journey is a mix of excitement, frustration, and every emotion in between. In the pursuit of improvement, there's a common misconception that doing more is the key to achieving better results.
While targeted efforts to enhance specific aspects of fitness are beneficial, this approach isn't always the solution. Here are three compelling reasons why more isn't necessarily better:
1. Impacted Intensity:Engaging in excessive workouts inevitably diminishes our ability to give our full effort in each session. Whether we leave gas in the tank or struggle to push ourselves due to accumulating fatigue, intensity, a crucial factor in driving fitness adaptation, is compromised. It's akin to comparing four hours of sleep to a full eight; longer wakefulness doesn't necessarily translate to improved quality when hindered by exhaustion.
2. Volume Overload:CrossFit encompasses a plethora of fitness elements with high-repetition workouts. Adding extra sessions often results in overworking specific muscle groups, leading to inadequate recovery, persistent aches, and diminished enjoyment during our regular workouts.
3. Inadequate Recovery:Beyond volume, an excess of training impedes the body's ability to recover effectively. Recovery is the linchpin for making gains. Without allowing proper recovery, the efforts we invest may not yield the desired results, as our bodies are unable to adapt fully.
This doesn't imply that targeted work or additional programming should be avoided altogether.
Strategic Approach:It simply emphasizes the need for a strategic approach to extra workouts. Collaborating with a coach or scheduling a goal review can help determine a customized and effective schedule for improving specific movements safely and efficiently.
In conclusion, the pursuit of excellence in CrossFit requires a balance between pushing boundaries and allowing the body the necessary time and resources to recover. By being mindful of the potential pitfalls of overtraining, we can ensure a more sustainable and fulfilling fitness journey.
