What is Exercise Addiction?

We all are well aware about various health benefits that can be gained with regular exercising. Exercising is essential for our well being. Just like excess of every thing is bad. Similarly, excessive exercising can have harmful consequences. This condition is known as exercise addiction. There are numerous traits that differentiate from regular exercising regime to excess of it.

Exercise addiction can be detrimental to life. It can be health threatening and can lead to injuries, other disorders, and inadequate physical rest. The condition being persistent, the person doesn’t allow the body to rest hence the chances of recovering becomes low. They keep pushing themselves to the extremities undeterred by fatigue or illness which is fatal.

Contradictions over exercise addiction
It is one of the most contradictory addictions. Exercising is important for the well being of health but it is important to prevent and treat numerous ailments. In fact most of the programs introduce exercising as recovery programs. But experts balk that excessive of it is nothing but an addiction. Research shows that exercise releases endorphins but excess of exercising can cause hormone tolerance.

Is exercise addiction similar to other addiction?
There are numerous similarities in exercise and drug addiction. Some of them are with mood swings, withdrawal and tolerance.

Fitness vs. exercise addiction
It has been observed that 8% of gym goers are exercise addicted. It has been noted that exercise addicts increase the amount of exercise so as to get the high or feeling of escapism. Such people complain of withdrawal symptoms when they do not exercise. In fact they revert back by doing intense exercise after period of control. 3% exercisers have confessed that they do not feel like stopping exercising.

Exercise addicts cling or stay away from socializing, relaxation, spend alone time etc. such people use exercising as the way to express their other emotions like, grief, anger, anxiety, stress etc. in fact excess of exercising comes in their way of relationships and family life.

Exercise is a great way to manage health, stress and feelings. You can seek medical help if you find yourself addicted with this addiction. Feel free to express with your doctor.