Exercise is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good health and longevity. It helps individuals fight a number of ailments, increases resistance and helps keep the body in good shape. While exercising has its share of benefits, it can become extremely harmful for those who become addicted to it.
Exercise addiction is the term used to define a compulsive disorder which is physically, emotionally and psychologically destructive. An addiction refers to the dependence on a particular habit without which a person is incapable of functioning normally. It is widely associated with alcohol, smoking, drugs etc.
Exercise addiction is characterized with a feeling of constantly wanting to hit the gym and pumping iron irrespective of the fact that one might be exhausted, aching or causing damage to the body. It is accompanied by various motivations including avoidance, mood swings, a strong desire to control, low self esteem and a way of coping with day to day activities. It is widely linked to anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder and affects approximately 1% of the entire population.
Symptoms of exercise addiction:
This compulsive obsessive disorder is increasing in contemporary times due to a change in exercise patterns. One of the most prominent traits of the disorder is that the feeling to exercise begins to interfere with all aspects of a person’s life. Like all other addictions, this is also progressive and develops over a period of time. Exercise begins to play a dominant role in the person’s life, gradually overtaking it in other spheres such as work, social life, relationships, friends and family. The patient goes through feelings of heightening anxiety, anticipation along with an uncontrollable need to create exercise opportunities. Over a period of time the addiction is replaced by anxiety, depression, isolation and sleep disturbance. This causes the patient to become secretive, defensive and scheming in pursuing exercises.
Addicts affected by
exercise addiction are usually noted by their compulsive exercise behaviors, excessive participation in exercises at odd hours and at an intensity that is above normal for most workouts. The severity of exercises often results in sore muscles, body aches, release of cortisol on account of the body’s response to stress and increase in the secretion of testosterone in men.
Various exercise addicts even maintain a journal to pen in every minute detail of their workouts and hate to skip even a single session despite other responsibilities. They cannot stand any criticism towards their exercise routine and may throw temper tantrums when discouraged to exercise.
Treatment:
The initial step towards getting over the addiction is acknowledgement and commitment to quit. Addicts need to stay away from exercises for at least a month. Certain activities such as meditation, yoga and walking help patients control their desire to indulge in rigorous work outs. Another great way is to divert their attention by engaging them in other activities or hobbies such as painting, writing, singing, dancing, gardening etc. It is essential to achieve balance of the mind and body in order to combat the addiction. While trying to deal with a person with exercise addiction, it is important to keep in mind that he/she is likely to react more aggressively when prohibited from exercising. Chronic addiction cases cannot be handles without professional assistance and is a devastating condition that requires clinical intervention and even hospitalization in some cases.
If you feel that you are suffering from the disorder or know someone who is addicted to exercise, it is recommended that you get professional help before taking any action. It is possible that the addiction may be the outcome of a more complex disorder. Therefore, it is essential to seek expert advice before making any judgments. Moderation is the key to achieving complete wellness. Exercise is great for the total development of the body when done within limits. Over exercising can be potentially harmful for the body and may lead to various disorders and complications.
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