Hi everyone,
I hope you all are doing great. I have been going to the gym for a few months now, and I have been trying my level best to push myself harder during my workouts. However, lately, I have been having some doubts as to whether I am pushing myself too hard and risking injury.
To provide more context, I am a 25-year-old male with a desk job, and I go to the gym four times a week. I work out for an hour each session and usually do a mix of weight training and cardio. I have noticed that I am always tired and sore after my workouts, and sometimes the soreness lasts for days, which affects my productivity at work.
So, my question is, how do I know if I am pushing myself too hard during my workouts and risking injury? What are the signs to look out for? And what steps can I take to make sure that I am not pushing myself too hard and causing harm to my body?
Thanks in advance for your help!

Hey, fellow gym-goer!
I've been in a similar position as you, pushing myself hard during my workouts and questioning whether I was risking injury or not. I found that the first sign of overtraining was a persisting feeling of tiredness even when resting enough, which may indicate that your body is not getting enough time to recover.
Another common sign is feeling exhausted during your workout instead of energized, which means you may need to eat more or take some rest days. Also, if you feel like your breathing is too labored or your heart rate is skyrocketing even though your exercise isn't that intense, then you might be pushing yourself beyond your capacity. Lastly, pay attention to any persistent injuries, inflammation, or recurring pain after every training. These are signs that you might be injuring yourself by working out too intensely or with poor form.
So, my advice is to listen to your body, give yourself some time to rest if you feel too exhausted, and always try to start your workouts slowly and build up resistance gradually. Don't worry too much about your progress; remember that fitness is a journey, and you don't want to jeopardize that journey by injuring yourself.