What does the term "overtraining" refer to?

The term "overtraining" refers to a condition resulting from excessive training. This situation occurs when an individual trains beyond their body's ability to recover, leading to a decline in performance, increased fatigue, and various physiological and psychological issues. Overtraining represents an imbalance between training load and recovery, where the body is subjected to continuous stress without adequate time for healing and adaptation. This can disrupt hormonal balance, decrease energy levels, and increase the risk of injury and illness, highlighting the importance of structure and moderation in training regimens.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the essence of overtraining. Optimal performance suggests a peak physical state, which is not compatible with the debilitating effects of overtraining. Not training enough implies an insufficient workout routine, while a technique to enhance recovery suggests a method to bring the body back to a state of balance, which is the opposite of overtraining.