Methodology
Overtraining, Signs and Fixes
Francesco Zen, founder of ZTraining · Last updated June 19, 2026
Why the framing matters
Calling it overtraining suggests the fix is doing less. The more accurate read is that recovery or nutrition hasn't kept pace with the training being done, which means the fix is supporting the body better, not necessarily training less.
"The sign is obvious: the same lifts feel harder and heavier, alongside low energy throughout the day."
What to watch for
Performance dropping on familiar lifts, and a general dip in energy across the day, are the two clearest signals. Both point back to recovery and nutrition as the first place to look, before assuming the training volume itself is the problem.
Related: How much sleep for muscle and fat loss · Why recovery matters more after 40
Francesco Zen is the founder of ZTraining and ZLIFE, with 18 years of coaching experience working with executives across the UK, US, and UAE. He built Mr Z, an AI coach trained on his methodology to bring the same approach to a wider audience.