by SwimCoachingBlog

Parents often ask this question — how much is too much when it comes to swimming training?

The truth is, “too much” can mean many different things, and it doesn’t look the same for every swimmer or every family. This isn’t an exhaustive list; other swimmers and coaches will have their own perspectives shaped by their experiences. But over the years, I’ve seen some clear signs that training may be tipping into the “too much” category.

For my Dad, “too much” meant lack of sleep for growing kids. He always believed that regular early-morning sessions were unnecessary for very young swimmers. In fact, two of his sons went on to become Olympians, they both received university degrees, and neither of them trained consistently in the early mornings until after they were 16. Sleep matters, especially during growth and development, and if training cuts too deeply into rest, it may be worth rethinking the schedule.

“Too much” can also show up as frequent illness. If a swimmer is constantly sick or struggling to recover from even minor colds, their immune system might be compromised. Training is a form of stress, and when the body is already fighting to recover, adding illness on top of that stress can prolong recovery times and reduce performance.

Another sign is poor sleep rather than lack of sleep. If a swimmer struggles to fall asleep due to anxiety or sheer exhaustion, it may be a sign their training load or emotional load is too high. Rest is when the body rebuilds and adapts, without it, progress stalls. Poor sleep often creates a constant feeling of sleepiness. Homework and studying can be too tedious to concentrate upon and grades drop.

Eating habits can also signal that something is off. If a swimmer loses their appetite or can’t eat enough to fuel their training, that’s another red flag. Fuel is essential for performance and recovery, and a body that isn’t being nourished properly cannot keep up with heavy demands.

Mood changes can be one of the most overlooked indicators of doing too much. A swimmer who becomes angry or irritable more easily than usual may be showing signs of physical or emotional overload. This isn’t just “bad attitude” — it’s often the body and mind’s way of signalling that they’re overwhelmed. Frustration that boils over during practice, snapping at teammates, or uncharacteristic emotional outbursts can all stem from fatigue, stress, and insufficient recovery. Paying attention to these changes is just as important as monitoring physical signs because they reveal how training is affecting the swimmer as a whole person.

And finally, “too much” might simply mean there’s no balance left in life. A healthy work-to-play ratio is vital, especially for young swimmers. Training shouldn’t come at the cost of friendships, school, or family time. Swimming is a big part of life, but it should never be all of life.

In the end, “too much” isn’t a single number of hours or metres in the pool, it’s about listening to the body and the person behind the swimmer. If signs of fatigue, illness, anxiety, or imbalance appear, they’re worth paying attention to. Sustainable success in swimming, and in life, depends not just on how hard we work, but on how wisely we train.

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