What are common signs of overtraining in athletes?

Common signs of overtraining in athletes typically include fatigue, decreased performance, and irritability. When an athlete is overtraining, their body is not given enough time to recover from intense physical activity, leading to a state of exhaustion. This can manifest as physical fatigue, where the athlete feels unusually tired, and mental fatigue, which impacts motivation and mood.

Decreased performance is another hallmark sign, as the athlete may find that they're not able to match their previous workout intensities or results. This can be particularly discouraging, as it contradicts the expected benefits of regular training.

Irritability is also a factor because overtraining can lead to hormonal imbalances and increased stress levels, which can affect mood and emotional stability. Athletes may find themselves snapping at others or feeling generally more anxious than usual.

The other choices do not accurately represent signs of overtraining. Increased energy and improved performance are typically signs of effective training, not overtraining. Regular sleep patterns, increased strength, and happiness suggest a well-managed training routine. Lastly, enhanced coordination, weight gain, and relaxation are not indicative of overtraining, as they do not align with the physiological and psychological stress an athlete faces when pushing their body beyond its limits without adequate rest.