HealthJuly 24, 2026

overtraining

/ˌoʊvərˈtreɪnɪŋ/

Definition

A state of excessive physical exertion or athletic training that exceeds the body's capacity to recover, leading to diminished performance and health decline.

Etymology

The word is a compound formed from the prefix 'over-' (meaning excessive or beyond) and the gerund 'training' (from the verb 'train', originating from the Middle French 'trainer', meaning to draw or pull).

In the news

The article uses the term to caution readers against increasing their exercise intensity too rapidly. It highlights that pushing the body beyond its limits can negatively impact mental health rather than improve it.

The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health

Read the full article ↗

Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

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