What is a common sign of overtraining in athletes?

A common sign of overtraining in athletes is a slower recovery of heart rate. During periods of overtraining, the body's ability to recover becomes compromised, which can be reflected in a longer time it takes for the heart rate to return to baseline following physical activity. This occurs because overtraining can lead to physiological stress and fatigue, affecting the body's normal recovery processes.

In contrast, increased motivation and improved sleep quality would typically indicate a well-balanced training regimen, as athletes generally feel more energized and able to recover when properly trained. Similarly, consistency in performance levels might suggest an athlete is maintaining their training effectively, rather than suffering from the detrimental effects of overtraining. Thus, slower recovery of heart rate distinctly signals that an athlete may be pushing beyond their capacity, leading to potential burnout or injury.