Avoid Fitness Plateaus, Overtraining & Mis-Timed Performance Peaks

In this episode, I discuss training plateaus, overtraining, and peaking (aka “tapering”) to help you train smart for your goals and effectively use rest to maximize performance. I discuss training plateaus, the underlying molecular mechanisms that cause plateaus, and how to overcome plateaus by targeting systems and nutrition-based approaches. I describe how overtraining reduces performance, which molecular biomarkers to measure to determine if you are overtrained, and how to recover from overtraining. I also explain how to use peaking (tapering) to significantly enhance performance, when to place a taper relative to competition, and how to effectively taper by reducing volume and increasing rest days. I explain multiple causes and solutions for diminished performance and describe tracking options for measuring your health, fatigue, and performance. Listeners will learn how high-performance athletes, down to general exercisers, should measure, monitor, and intervene in plateaus, overtraining, and taper effectively. Access the full show notes for this episode at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform Vitality Blueprint: https://vitalityblueprint.com/perform Renaissance Periodization: https://rpstrength.com/perform  Timestamps 00:00:00 Plateau, Peaking & Overtraining 00:03:57 Sponsors: LMNT & AG1 00:07:26 “Stress is Stress,” Training & Inactivity 00:11:13 3 Scenarios for Plateau, Peaking & Overtraining 00:15:43 Physiological Passport, Personal Variation 00:20:45 Data Collection & Personal Load 00:23:54 Tool: Minimal Viable Solution & Tracking 00:28:00 Sponsor: Eight Sleep & Momentous 00:30:45 Identifying Plateau: Muscle Growth Plateau, Newbie Gains 00:36:41 Overcoming Plateau: Targeting Systems, Plateau Possible Mechanisms 00:46:46 Overcoming Plateau: Nutrition, Protein 00:53:19 Sponsor: Vitality Blueprint & Renaissance Periodization (RP) 00:56:48 Identifying Overtraining vs. Functional & Non-Functional Overreaching 01:04:33 Reduced Performance, Fatigue & Molecular Biomarkers 01:10:40 Blood Biomarkers, Protein Status Markers 01:17:45 Peaking (Tapering) & Performance 01:27:04 Tool: Effectively Taper; Volume & Intensity 01:33:38 Taper & Biomarkers, Testosterone 01:36:34 Tools: Taper Styles; Rest Days, Taper Variables; Individual Variability 01:45:05 Speed, Team Sports, Skills, Endurance & Taper 01:48:35 High-Performance Athletes & Tracking, Human Digital Twin 01:54:17 Tool: Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Respiratory Rate 02:00:31 Tool: Acute & Chronic Actions; Caffeine, Carbohydrates 02:04:18 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Perform Newsletter, Social Media Disclaimer & Disclosures