Overtraining when not on a cycle....

[TOkidd]

Hey everyone,

I'm posting this thread to address the thorny issue of overtraining. It's usually not such a big issue when you're on a cycle, but for those of us who are au natural, either all the time, or from time to time, overtraining is a serious issue.

During the 12 years I've been into bodybuilding, I've read so much on overtraining, it's become rather confusing to me. I'm curious to know other members' opinions on the topic, whether it's been an issue for them, and how.

A lot of experts give a lot of different workout plans to avoid it, but I've found a growing trend for bodybuilders to only work a particular body part once a week, when 20 years ago common knowledge was to work each body part twice a week. Arnold even suggested intermediate bodybuilders exercise the same body part three times per week in his Encyclopedia.

When I first started lifting, I worked each body part twice a week, but then tapered to one hardcore workout per muscle group per week. To be honest, I can't say there was a huge difference.

But I'm wondering, what are some of the signs of overtraining? How can you prevent it? How many times a week is the best number to hit a particular muscle group? And remember, this is for when you're not on a cycle.

TOkidd

[auslifta]

Everyone is diffrent. Getting the advice from the golden era body builders that were genetical gifted and eating d-bols everyday is hardly the place to be getting advice, especially when they spent 8 hrs a day lifting. You should look to science. After all, the golden era body builders programs were mostly trial and error, and based off power lifters. Most of their programs are over training more for the vast majority of us natural body builders.

I think once a week per muscle group is sufficient.