What are common signs of overtraining in athletes?

Decreased performance and increased injuries are indeed common signs of overtraining in athletes. Overtraining occurs when an athlete trains beyond their body's ability to recover, leading to physical and psychological stress. As the body becomes fatigued from excessive training without adequate rest and recovery, performance can decline. This decline can manifest in decreased strength, endurance, and overall athletic output.

Moreover, as the athlete pushes their body beyond its limits, the risk of injuries rises due to fatigue-related mistakes or damage to muscles and joints that haven't had enough time to repair. Symptoms like persistent muscle soreness, increased susceptibility to colds or illnesses, sleep disturbances, and mood changes may also surface as the body struggles to cope with the excessive demands placed upon it.

In contrast, increased energy and enthusiasm, weight gain and improved strength, and consistency in training outcomes do not align with the physiological and psychological effects of overtraining. Instead, those would generally indicate a well-managed training program that allows for proper recovery and adaptation.