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Exercise addiction

Understand, prevent, halt addiction 2 exercise

Exercise does have its dark side - exercise addiction. Healthy Exercise World highlights the positive aspects of exercise and, of course, encourages exercise in its many forms for its many benefits but…

Like any addiction, an addiction to exercise can cause severe personal & professional problems & even ruin lives.

What is exercise addiction?

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At some point in the commitment to exercise a line is crossed & commitment becomes compulsion. Like other addictions, exercise addiction may include physical & psychological addiction.

The pull(s) in this addiction could be any number of psychological, emotional & social factors including rise in self esteem & affiliating with fellow exercisers.

The physical pull could include the addiction to endorphins (feel good chemicals) that are released during intense exercise sessions, to increasingly comforting soreness the day after, to any number of other physical factors.

In general, exercise is considered an addiction when it prevents normal functioning at home or work. That is, when it starts to interfere with your life instead of enhancing your life.

Addiction to exercise symptoms

There are several symptoms that signal a potential problem with addiction to working out.

* A deep feeling dread when an exercise session is missed

* Real disappointment when an exercise “high” is not attained

* Extremely rigid workout schedule

* Exercising alone to avoid attracting the attention of others similar to when drinkers drink alone

* Exercising when sick or injured

* Missing work, school, or other social obligations to exercise

Exercise addiction checklist

The following checklist, (developed by Sharon Stoliaroff, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Chevy Chase, MD) could help determine if you are suffering from addiction to your workouts.

1) I have missed important social obligations & family events in order to exercise.

2) I have given up other interests, including time with friends, in order to make more time to work out.

3) Missing a workout makes me irritable and depressed.

4) I only feel content when I am exercising or within the hour after exercising.

5) I like exercise more than sex, good food, or a movie. There's almost nothing I'd rather do.

6) I work out even if I'm sick, injured, or exhausted. I'll feel better when I get moving anyway.

7) In addition to my regular schedule, I'll exercise more if I find extra time.

8) Family and friends have told me I'm too involved in exercise.

9) I have a history (or a family history) of anxiety or depression.

If you have checked three or more of these items, you may be suffering from addiction to exercise. Speak with a mental health professional or your doctor for help.

Suggestions for the exercise addicted

Try and introduce noncompetitive play into your exercise sessions. Exercise should be fun not just a relief.

If you are addicted to exercise or suffer from the above symptoms, talk to someone you trust.

Take a break from aerobics and weights for some time. Meditate or take nature walks with family and friends.

Do other activities that interest you and spend time with those you have neglected over the years and rebuild these relationships.

Keep a journal about your efforts to rebalance your life.

Write your thoughts and your feelings and increase your attention to exercise behavior.

Following these suggestions should get you on your road to recovery.

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