Know the signs to prevent burnout

Have you ever felt like this? Do you ever feel like everyone else seems to be looking and feeling great in training and competition and you just can’t seem to get going? There are reasons for that!

Why push yourself mentally, emotionally and physically to a place that’s counter-intuitive to your goals. It’s totally opposite of what you want and once it hits, you are out of commission for a long time depending on the effects.

Some athletes perceive that in order to be a great athlete you must push yourself to the brink…of what? There really is no fine line between being a great athlete and burnout. There is only ‘being an athlete’ and ‘burnout’. They are pretty separate and distinct. There are great methods to training and they don’t include pushing yourself past the point of no return.

Counter-intuitive to what athletes really want

I work with athletes who’ve gotten to this place and it ain’t pretty: depression, tired, weakness, physiological issues, etc. For more information on burnout visit Amateur Endurance and my full article on the symptoms and ways to prevent Burnout. Although this article was geared towards endurance athletes, the same principles apply to all athletes.

Next week I am going to talk about finding balance. To be great and avoid burnout, Athletes need balance in their lives.

Have FUN in training & competition!

Dr. Michelle

Photo credit: Craig Damlo