AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

Which is NOT a symptom of overtraining?

1. Elevated blood pressure

2. Increased motivation

3. Muscle tenderness and joint soreness

4. Loss of physical performance

The correct answer is: Increased motivation

In the context of overtraining, increased motivation is not a symptom typically associated with this condition. Overtraining occurs when an individual exceeds their body's ability to recover from strenuous exercise, leading to various negative physical and psychological effects. Symptoms of overtraining commonly include elevated blood pressure, muscle tenderness, joint soreness, and a noticeable loss of physical performance. Increased motivation, on the other hand, may suggest an optimal training response where an individual feels energized and engaged in their workout regimen, which is contrary to the typical experience of someone who is overtrained. Individuals suffering from overtraining often display fatigue, reduced desire to train, and a decline in performance, alongside physical symptoms like soreness and elevated stress indicators such as blood pressure. Thus, recognizing that increased motivation does not align with the physiological and psychological manifestations of overtraining clarifies why it is the correct choice in this scenario.