How to Avoid Over-training to Maximize Muscle Growth

Big Biceps, Washboard Abs and The Dangers of Over Training (part1)

Over-training is very common amongst athletes and particularly bodybuilders. This is because they erroneously believe that training as much as possible is the fastest way to massive muscle gains. Nothing is further from the truth. Excessive training, or training at too high intensity will lead to over-training.

Having said that, the converse is that you have to train hard. That sounds like a contradiction. But it is not. Whether you are a bodybuilder, athlete, or just someone that wants to add some additional mass to your frame, you need to train hard and be consistent-that's a given. In order to get the most out of your genetics, you have to progressively overload the muscles by increasing the weight and / or intensity of each weight training workout.

This should not be an excuse to abuse the muscles with excessive training. The trick is in finding a balance between training volume, intensity rest and recovery.