The Positive and Negative Effects of Training

You are probably often told to get more exercise, given the positive effects that regular training can have both physiologically and psychologically. However, while the positive effects are numerous, training does nevertheless bring a small number of negative effects; being aware of these pitfalls may help you avoid them. Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen.

Physical Benefits

The main physical benefit brought about by training is an improvement in body composition. Regular exercise can help you manage your weight by burning fat, which lowers your risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, MayoClinic.com notes. Weight training in particular aids in fat loss as well as the preservation of lean muscle; it also helps to strengthen bones and joints, which lowers your risk of injury, and may help you to avoid degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis.

Mental Benefits

Social & Emotional Benefits of Regular Exercise

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Exercising in a group or frequenting a commercial gym can give you new opportunities in your social life, because you get to interact with more like-minded people. The physical benefits of training, particularly losing weight and increasing muscle mass, may also affect you mentally. Study results published in 1997 in the medical journal "Applied Human Science" concluded that subjects who partook in regular training experienced lower anxiety levels and improved mood and confidence.

Physical Negatives

One of the main risks of training is injury. Whether you're doing cardiovascular exercise, weight training or any other type of activity, if you train with poor form or when you are fatigued, you run the risk of becoming injured. Training too much and resting too little can result in overtraining syndrome, which can cause fatigue, illness and a drop in performance, according the Brian Mac Sports Coach website 4. To make sure you avoid this, get adequate rest, and take a day or two off if you are feeling particularly fatigued.

Mental Negatives

Cures for Overtraining

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It is possible to become obsessed with training, and to let it take over your life. While it is great to exercise regularly and have training-related goals, you need to balance this with your social and work life. When it comes to training, focus on quality over quantity, and make sure that you make progress in your training — but not at the expense of your other commitments.