Which sign may indicate overtraining in athletes?

Decreased performance and increased fatigue are key indicators of overtraining in athletes. When an athlete is overtraining, they often experience a decline in performance despite continued physical training. This decline can manifest in various ways, including reduced strength, impaired endurance, and an overall lack of energy. Increased fatigue is a common physical symptom; instead of feeling invigorated and ready for training, the athlete may feel exhausted and unable to perform at their usual level, leading to a negative feedback loop of decreased motivation and potential injuries. Recognizing these signs is crucial for athletes and coaches to adjust training loads appropriately to prevent long-term detriment to performance and health. In contrast, improved performance and increased energy levels would typically suggest that an athlete is training effectively, while enhanced recovery time indicates a healthy response to training rather than overtraining.