As parents, our job is to encourage our skaters to be the best that they can be. The thought of working too hard is not something that is likely to cross our minds. Honestly, I didn’t even know overtraining syndrome existed until I had a talk with Kim Lukhard, Hockey Mom RD.
What is Overtraining Syndrome?
Kim has recently partnered with the Hockey Nutrition Network in Canada to educate players and coaches on eating and training to make gains. Her goal is to teach coaches and families how to maximize the body’s potential through diet and proper exercise. She told me about how she’s witnessed so many skaters get hurt because they were working too hard. Their bodies were too tired to handle the intense physicality of the game.
Hockey is a tough game, and there’s no questioning the fact that skaters need to be in shape. But, there’s a right way to get there. And, Kim has made it her goal to educate families about that way.
One thing that Kim said, that really stuck with me was, “Overworking your body makes you weaker. Rest makes you stronger.”
We rarely think of rest as part of skaters’ workout routines. But, thanks to some great tips from Kim, we can begin to see what overtraining syndrome looks like. We need to be aware of some of the signs:
- Fatigue
- Lack of Strength
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of focus
And that is just a few.
We want help foster that work ethic into our kids. But, we have a responsibility to teach them the right way to do it. Pushing and pushing without rest can hurt them. So, thankfully, Kim took some time to educate us, and we put together this infographic to offer you some tips about overtraining syndrome.
Here’s a look at 8 signs of overtraining syndrome along with some tips on how to avoid it.
This is so helpful with so many sports and even running. I am trying to train back for a half marathon and I needed to read this!
I am glad that it’s helpful for you.
Great info. I don’t have any hockey players but we have several friends who do. I’ll pass this info along to them.
Thanks…I am glad your friends will benefit.
This is scary but good to know. I don’t over do much, but know a couple people who like to.
Yeah, a good solid healthy plan is definitely the way to go.
It’s so important for children and young teens to get plenty of rest. Especially during training.
You couldn’t be more correct.
Thanks for the infographic. My boys are grown and they don’t do much sports now unlike when they were still in school. I will send the link to this article to my sister. My nephew is into high school basketball and he’d need to read this.
Awesome. I appreciate you sharing.
Children should get enough sleep to enable their body to repair itself and build muscle mass. Thank you for sharing the infographic. This is a very helpful resource.
Glad I could help!