Overtraining, Part 1: Understanding The Stress Response And Overtraining Risks (Breather Episode with Brad)

May 3, 2022

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Welcome to a grand three-part presentation covering all aspects of overtraining, including an overview of the stress response in the body, how the nature of hectic, high stress modern life is a disastrous disconnect from our human genetic expectations for health, and how our ruminating minds can contribute to burnout (just like stressful work or personal circumstances or overly-stressful training patterns do).

Unfortunately for me and fortunately for you, I am an expert on this topic and in this episode, you will learn about how different forms of stress (remember, even fasting counts as a stressor) affect the body and the state of “overreaching,” a precursor to overtraining where you are capable of peak performance, but running on borrowed time heading for burnout. I also discuss how to find a healthy balance between avoiding overtraining and still having that optimal amount of stress that is actually beneficial to the body, and how the stimulus perception response and the HPA axis (responsible for the body’s reaction to environmental stimuli) works.

TIMESTAMPS:

Our stress responses are in three stages: stimulus, perception and response. [01:24]

Stress is a chain reaction as a variety of genetic and hormonal switches are turning on and off. [04:33]

The body has a strong homeostatic drive to regulate the body back to normal after a fight or flight incident, or an illness. [07:47]

So how do we manage this wonderful tool? Too little stress is unhealthy. [10:14]

Even though you may enjoy your workout, overtraining can be a disaster. In our daily life, we are overloaded with stressors. [14:31]

The perception in your mind is reflected in the chemistry of your body. [17:14]

Exercise is a major, major stressor, and it has to be contemplated very carefully in order not to cross that line and drift into over training patterns. [20:27]

When you have elevated heart rate, blood pressure, elevated cognitive focus, your basic routine bodily functions are put on hold. [24:25]

Fat is a clean-burning fuel whereas carbohydrate is dirty-burning fuel. [28:12]

A chronically stressful lifestyle is directly associated with a carbohydrate dependency [30:28]

Burnout occurs when you are constantly busy stimulating the fight or flight hormones and then one day your just crash. [34:06]

When you have that temporary high that’s afforded by the chronic overproduction of stress hormones in the bloodstream, it can be a confusing situation. [40:33]

For all of us in the recreational realm who are trying to promote overall general health and especially longevity, we have to be very, very careful to not drift anywhere near the overtraining, patterns and the burnout symptoms. [44:19]

LINKS:

Join Brad for more fun on:

Instagram: @bradkearns1

Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh

Twitter: @bradleykearns

YouTube: @BradKearns

TikTok: @bradkearns

We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!

Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life.

Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend
Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement
BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!
Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off
BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off
Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off
BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity
Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.