Functional Overreaching

Functional overreaching (FO) occurs when athletes intentionally increase training intensity and volume to stimulate performance gains, accepting temporary fatigue and reduced performance. Unlike overtraining, FO is strategic and planned, leading to a short-term decline followed by a supercompensation or performance boost after adequate rest and recovery. It’s a deliberate training method used to push limits, with the understanding that proper recovery is essential to eventually improve overall performance. When managed correctly, FO can be a valuable part of a training program; if not, it risks leading to overtraining or injury.