Marks Blog: A BIG Problem

Oh, the curse of over-training… some of our best warriors and athletes are riding the bench because of it. Maybe you are right now? 

When you push yourself harder and harder, and get serious results, it is easy to think that more of the same will lead to the better results. But when this doesn’t prove out and we plateau, instead of backing off…

we push HARDER!

Suddenly we are stuck in the O.Z. expecting that doing more is the answer. What’s the O.Z? It’s the “Over-Training Zone.”

Often we get stuck in the Over-Training Zone until an injury forces us to stop and slow down. Awareness of our bodies and what it feels like to enter the OZ will allow us to back off and rest at the right moments.  I am talking about backing off even if you have regularly scheduled off days and active recovery days like we do at SEALFIT. The flip side to over-training is Durability Training. How can we train to be more durable and ensure that we stay out of the OZ? 

• Take extra days off when you feel yourself entering the OZ
• Take at least 2 separate weeks (maybe more) completely off from physical training each year
• Eat the right foods at the right times
• Ensure you recover adequately while you sleep
• Perform active Range of Motion drills before each training sessions
• Perform mobility and stretching drills after each session or in a separate session
• Maintain awareness and presence by working “in” as much as you work “out” 
• Use a somatic practice such as Warrior Yoga (see Unbeatable Mind) to maintain a healthy spine, organs, ligaments and a clear mind.

Sincerely,

CDR Mark Divine, founder, SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind