What could be a sign of overtraining in an athlete?

Persistent fatigue is an important sign of overtraining in an athlete. When an athlete is overtraining, the body is subjected to excessive physical stress without adequate recovery, leading to exhaustion that doesn't resolve with normal rest. This state can inhibit the performance improvements athletes seek and can lead to both physical and mental fatigue. Persistent fatigue might manifest as a lack of energy during workouts, difficulty sleeping, and a general feeling of tiredness, which can severely affect an athlete’s motivation and overall performance.

While increased energy levels, improved performance, and weight gain may reflect various aspects of training or lifestyle, they do not typically indicate overtraining. In fact, increased energy and improved performance are generally signs of well-structured training and recovery. Weight gain can be influenced by many factors unrelated to overtraining, such as diet, muscle gain, or changes in body composition. Thus, persistent fatigue standing alone highlights a key warning sign that an athlete might need to adjust their training approach for optimal performance and recovery.