It makes sense that many people are addicted to exercise. Every magazine cover, media star, and megabucks athlete says “just do it.” And you do keep doing it. You keep lifting it, pumping it, cycling it, and running it--until your muscles are so trim, tight, and socially acceptable that you couldn’t possibly stop now. You need this. After all, exercise is better than bingeing or dieting or starving yourself, right? How bad can it be to push yourself and your body’s limits? How can you know if those extra laps and additional workout sessions are excessive or obsessive?
Are you addicted to exercise?
When exercise is your life’s priority rather than part of a healthy foundation for your life, you may be addicted. It’s ok to enjoy exercise. It’s ok to value fitness and health. And downtime is ok too. You should be able to concentrate at home or at work without itching for a third or fourth go on the treadmill. Exercise should not be making you sick.
Addicted-to-exercise
Consider the symptoms that indicate you may be addicted to exercise:
You can’t resist. When the urge to exercise hits, you have to get it done. You say “just one hour,” but once you begin a workout you want more time, to accomplish one more exercise goal, or to burn just a few more calories.
You push, play, or train through the pain. You feel compelled to keep going; even when doing so may risk further injury or exacerbate illness. Taking a “recovery day” to let muscles rest or heal makes you nervous, irritable, or even panicked.
Your workouts are written in stone. They are scheduled and accomplished without fail. The next appointment with the weight room is always on your mind. You are always compelled to be there, no matter what. You plan your life around exercise.
Missed workouts are misery. If you have to miss a workout, you immediately feel out of sorts, your mood plummets, and you feel physically uncomfortable. You may even beat yourself up or feel anxious or depressed for taking time off. No workout? No peace
You're only up when you’re exercising. You get a “high” from exercise. However, the euphoria is fleeting as your tolerance level increases. You keep exercising to recapture it, but you have to workout longer, faster, and harder to maintain the good feelings.
Your efforts wear you down rather than build you up. Your body seems to rebel. No matter how hard you run or how much weight you lift, your energy is low and the emotional release isn’t satisfying. Fatigue and discomfort remain constant though you do every thing you can to keep moving.
You experience workout withdrawal. Attempts to cut back on strenuous exercise are met with a high degree of physical and emotional disturbance. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, digestive trouble, and headaches result. You actually feel addicted to exercise and are literally sick when you stop.
Exercise is ruining your real life. You spend too much money on all the equipment, trainers, and gym memberships. You may even resort to dishonesty with your partner or boss to secure the time or funds necessary to indulge your habit. Over time, you may experience personal or career conflicts and hardship due to the amount of time, money, and sacrifices dedicated to your exercise habit.
Dependence on exercise should not be underestimated. It can take a devastating toll on you. As much as any eating disorder or emotional problem. If you are addicted to exercise, help is available. You may need support to help slow your pace and restore you body and peace of mind.
Please get in touch with us for a free consultation to find out how I can help if you're in need of some additional support and are seeking for a psychotherapist.
To find out more about my services click here: Eating Disorder Treatment. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver.
