Overtraining – when does it occur? What are the symptoms, and what can I do about it?

It partly stems from a desire to change something about your body. You're not satisfied, you have role models who have achieved more, or you've found motivation in your previous successes. At first you get compliments on how disciplined you are, how motivated and fit you are. It feels easy. You're proud and feel good. But often you start to feel guilty afterwards when you don't have enough time to exercise or you haven't been able to complete your training as intended. Fun suddenly turns into compulsion! Control! Fear! Fear of losing control! On the outside everything still looks relaxed, but sometimes you lie. Lies about where you are. Lies about secretly still exercising. Lies when you're exercising with someone else for the third time that day or when you've taken out various memberships to different centers so as not to attract attention. Exercise addiction has many different faces.

But one thing always resonates with me during a consultation: a guilty conscience. Women who feel bad, blame themselves, and feel unathletic because they haven't been able to train at least seven times a week. Incidentally, my maximum in a consultation was 21 training sessions per week for a client.

But why do they end up with me? It's always for the same reason. They feel fat, bloated, undefined, spongy and are disappointed with the results. One sentence is repeated in every such consultation: "I wish people could see that I do so much sport." Yes, overtraining leads to water retention , injuries and muscle overload. Our body is ready for a lot with the optimal supply of nutrients, but this is often not guaranteed. The less visible the results, the more women skimp on food. The body takes revenge. It doesn't deserve to have to do so much without reward.

And that's how problems arise. Sometimes over years, unconsciously and gradually. But there is help! Sure, it takes courage, and there comes a point where you just have to jump in at the deep end. But it's worth it! Your body will thank you. I've handled numerous such cases and know it's possible. If you want to, you can achieve your goal, even if the road is rocky. The quality of life you return to in the end makes up for everything. I promise.