How do you tell if someone is overtrained?

[Cresta]

So do you think he over-trained and that's why he lost? Or did he lose because Pacman was simply faster and better of a boxer? I had read that for weigh in, he was 15 lbs less than he was at the fight. I heard he dehydrated himself prior to weighing in and then drank lots of water and gained back 15 lbs. Is that even safe? That seems like a lot of weight from basically water but I guess our bodies are made of of primarily water. -Jennifer Crestal, Medical Insurance Advisor

[Youngblood]

There is a pretty big difference between over training and not cutting properly pre fight.

When people talk of peaking, as in too early, it is in reference to having the body be at it's prime after a training camp designed to be it's most efficient on that very night of the fight. It isn't always done correctly. Sometimes peaked too early, other times having never peaked at all. This through the many different ways of getting there based on the trainers/coaches processes. Understanding of what the body can handle, and for what sort of durations.

To be over trained tends to be that person has worked too hard in one or many areas leaving the body in a weakened state, maybe through muscle loss focusing too much on the cardio aspect without proper nutritional needs...finding themselves in a catabolic state ie the engine looking to replenish itself with fuel, and lacking proteins, ends up eating muscle. Just one of many ways to over train. It is a tender and tough balance to get right.

As far as how the cutting process figures in...well, a person could have a perfect training camp, be in great shape...but mess it all up completely in the last 24 hrs by cutting water improperly, and once again, send in a fighter in a dangerous and weakened state.

Hope this helps explain a bit.