The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide - Human Performance

216 Training and Sports Related Injuries

over a period of several days. A day or two of abstaining from physical activity should

show a return to baseline. The operator who continues endurance activities despite the

baseline elevation in heart rate will only become more overtrained.

Changes in mood or mood swings may also be a signal that the individual is

overtraining. Little data exist on mood assessment in the SEAL community. Typically,

assessment of mood is accomplished with questionnaires. However, individuals who are

overtraining and give an honest assessment of mood will consistently report feelings of

frustration, anger, depression or an inability to feel anything at all.

Cross-training, rest days, monitoring of morning heart

rate, mood assessment, and taking time off from certain

physical activities will reduce overtraining errors.

Overtraining differs from “overwork,” which is the temporary deterioration of

performance capabilities due to an increase in the volume or intensity of training.

Overwork is what typically happens to BUDS students. Physical and mental performance

deteriorates in the most demanding parts of the training schedule, only to rebound quickly

as the schedule lightens up. Unlike overtraining, the overworked individual is able to show

an increase in physical performance when faced with a greater workload or physical

challenge.

Table 12-7. Characterization and Symptoms of

Overtraining Syndrome

Major Symptoms of Overtraining

Decreased performance and

muscle strength

Decreased Capacity to

make decisions

Burn-out or staleness Difficulty with concentration

Chronically fatigued Angry and irritable

Lacking motivation Muscle soreness

Disturbances in mood Increased distractibility

Feelings of depression Difficulty sleeping

Change in heart rate at rest,

exercise and recovery

Increased susceptibility to

colds or other illnesses