Know your real limits.

There’s no denying that in bodybuilding there seems to be an inherent level of machismo firmly connected to the sport. In an endeavor that requires its competitors to lift a ton of weight, follow a strict diet, and possess an uncanny amount of resolve, there’s no doubt that you’re going to have to be made of some tougher stuff. Lifting heavy weight and achieving great strength and size isn’t for wimps.

But though that may be the case, the mentality of athletes involved in sports like bodybuilding, olympic and powerlifting, as well as strongman competitions often can take the no pain, no gain attitude to the extreme. In fact it can be pretty damaging if one isn’t careful. No one is doubting that these sports don’t require a strong mental, physical and intestinal fortitude, but there’s only so much the body can take before it begins to break down and give out.

Now we’ve all heard the notion that overtraining is a myth. Anyone who even mentions overtraining is usually considered weak minded or just a plain coward, afraid of pushing themselves to the brink of human potential. But for those who claim that overtraining is nothing but rubbish, there are a ton of individuals who have taken the complete opposite stance.

Enter Dorian Yates. The six time Mr. Olympia champion is well known for his massive size, strength, and bodybuilding wisdom. A man like that surely overtrained to get to the point of winning six consecutive Sandows. But contrary to popular belief, the British bodybuilder is claiming that overtraining isn’t a myth after all. Take a listen to what Yates has to say about overtraining and the means to avoid it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-skecaaWfEU

Do you think Dorian Yates is correct about overtraining? Let us know what you think in the comments or discuss in our official forum. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.