Overload and Regeneration During Resistance Exercise

Abstract

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS To date, the data available on resistance exercise overtraining suggest the following considerations: • The endocrine environment appears to reflect both short- and long-term resistance exercise training stresses. • High volume resistance exercise overload may present a hormonal environment similar to that observed with endurance overtraining. • Prior exposure to high volume training periods and greater training experience enhances training tolerance and capacity. • When training with maximal or near-maximal resistances, slight decreases in the relative intensity can greatly enhance recovery. • Providing I or more recovery days per week can greatly enhance recovery. • Avoiding training monotony is critical, and can be easily avoided by carefully monitoring training records. • Carefully designed periodized training programs may be essential to avoid overtraining. Total work capacity may be less for free weights due to the different biomechanical and physiological nature of such exercise. • High intensity resistance exercise overtraining may not be accompanied by the classic hormonal indicators of overtraining such as decreased testosterone and Tes/Cort, and elevated cortisol. • Peripheral maladaptations of the involved skeletal muscle other than muscle damage may contribute to decreased force producing capabilities. Figure 2 summarizes several important factors contributing to overload and regeneration during resistance exercise. Future research efforts should be designed to further study the overtraining implications of various training programs and modalities, as well as to determine the contributing physiological mechanisms in both the autonomic nervous system, as well as the peripheral musculature.