PAMPLONA, 18 (EUROPA PRESS)
Specialists at the University of Navarra Clinic warn that overdoing sports, especially without proper planning, can have negative effects on physical and mental health.
"Overtraining occurs when the body doesn't have enough time to recover between exercise sessions. This imbalance can lead to chronic fatigue, poor performance, recurring injuries, or even hormonal and immunological disorders," explains Dr. Juan Bertó, head of the Sports Medicine Department at the University of Navarra Clinic.
Although this phenomenon can occur in any active person, he points out, it is of particular concern to adolescents and young athletes who compete at the amateur level. "In many cases, in their eagerness to improve their performance or excel, they don't listen to their body's signals and end up pushing themselves beyond what is recommended," explains Dr. Bertó.
Among the most common manifestations of this burnout are persistent fatigue, muscle and joint pain, decreased performance, lack of motivation, and increased exposure to possible infections. "There may also be a hormonal imbalance that affects metabolism, muscle recovery, and mood," he adds.
One of the most serious consequences of this excess is what is known as "physical burnout": a state of extreme exhaustion that can even lead to abandoning sports. "It is characterized by a loss of interest in training, difficulty concentrating, a constant feeling of fatigue, and, in the most severe cases, depressive symptoms," notes Dr. Bertó.
PREVENTION AND HEALTHY HABITS
To avoid these effects, experts recommend a balanced training plan that combines phases of effort with adequate recovery periods. They also advise taking care of aspects such as hydration, nutrition, and sleep, as well as introducing variety into the types of exercises performed.
"A healthy sports practice should not focus solely on performance, but on the individual's overall well-being. Parents, coaches, and professionals must work together to support young athletes and teach them to respect their bodies' limits," concludes Dr. Bertó.
