Are you or someone you know constantly exercising? If that is the case, then exercise addiction may be to...
Are you or someone you know constantly exercising? If that is the case, then exercise addiction may be to blame.
Exercise addiction is an unhealthy obsession with exercise and physical fitness.
People have it usually due to eating or body image disorders.
People who suffer from exercise addiction typically engage in exercise in secret, exercise excessively even though they want to quit, keep exercising even though it causes physical harm, and obsess over it even when they're not doing it.
Health conditions due to weight loss can happen through tons of exercise.
People keep it up because they feel like they have been rewarded and are getting pleasure.
That is caused by certain chemicals being released in the nervous system.
There are risk factors to know about, what healthy vs. addictive exercise is, the four phases of exercise addiction, negative consequences of too much exercise, and also diagnosis and treatment.
There is a lot more to know about this disease, and for that reason we would like you to scroll to learn more!
One may develop exercise addiction if they feel pressure to be in shape.
This includes overweight people who go out on a too-serious weight loss regimen.
Many people with exercise addiction have issues with illicit drugs, alcohol and/or cigarettes.
Those are substance addictions. Behavioral addictions, like exercise, can often coincide with shopping or sex addictions, which are also behavioral.
If someone already has an eating disorder, then along with purging and overuse of diuretics and laxatives, they will use exercise to avoid weight gain.
Many endurance athletes, as well as ball players, show signs of addiction.
People who participate in power disciplines, as well as show up to fitness centers, can develop exercise addiction as well.
A person who has muscle dysmorphia can be addicted to exercise.
These people believe they do not have big enough muscles, and will weight lift more than is healthy.
Perfectionists will exercise a lot, always looking to be satisfied with what they feel they have gained from it.
Did you know that there are phases to exercise addiction? Experts have developed four.
The first is a recreational exercise, which someone undertakes to increase their fitness or health.
At this point, exercise improves a person's life. The second phase is at-risk exercise.
This is when someone increases the intensity and frequency of workouts.
People in this phase are often trying to improve their appearance and is turned to to deal with uncomfortable experiences and feelings.
In phase three, exercise is problematic. A person has a rigid daily exercise regimen. If their routine is disrupted, they may become irritable and have mood swings.
Even if injured, the person will exercise in a way that doesn't injure other body parts.
For example, if someone sprained their wrist while weight lifting, they will turn to running to ensure they get their exercise in.
The last phase, phase four, is exercise addiction. At this stage, a person's exercise has disrupted other life areas.
The point of exercise at this point is to prevent themselves from going into withdrawal if they skip exercise.
People addicted to exercise increase their exercise amount to re-experience the natural high or escapism they experienced at an earlier time with less exercise.
When exercise addicts cannot exercise, they experience withdrawal.
People who do not have an exercise addiction issue have reasons to exercise such as time alone, social enjoyment, and relaxation.
Those addicted to exercise feel that exercise is what is most important in life, and may have caused family conflict through their behavior.
Exercise provides a sense of control over the environment, body, and the person's mood.
People with an addiction issue lose control and cannot balance exercise with other life priorities.
Aside from family, those may include personal responsibilities, school, work, and social events.
Above we touched on too much weight loss that can arise in one's life because of exercise addiction.
There are other physical issues as well.
Those who menstruate can find that they no longer get their periods at the same time each month, or perhaps the frequency of their menstruation has decreased or they no longer menstruate.
People who exercise more than a medical professional recommends having found themselves with sprained ligaments, heart problems, organ failure, torn or strained muscles, and/or joint damage.
Depression and anxiety are common among people who spend a lot of time exercising.
The first step in diagnosing fitness addiction is identifying the signs and symptoms that may indicate an unhealthy relationship with exercise. These may include:
1. Exercising despite illness, injury, or exhaustion
2. Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty when unable to exercise
3. Prioritizing workouts over social, family, and work obligations
4. Neglecting other aspects of life to make more time for exercise
5. Continuously increasing exercise intensity or duration to achieve the same satisfaction
A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, can help diagnose fitness addiction by conducting a thorough assessment of the individual's exercise habits, thoughts, and feelings related to exercise, and overall well-being.
Once a diagnosis of fitness addiction has been established, a tailored treatment plan can be developed to address the specific needs of the individual.
Treatment options may include psychotherapy, support groups, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, medical intervention,etc.
In conclusion, if you suspect that you may be struggling with exercise addiction, it's essential to seek the guidance of a mental health professional.
They can help you restore balance and ensure that exercise remains a beneficial aspect of your life.
It's crucial to address one's exercise habits and behaviors, particularly in today's society where there is immense pressure to conform to specific appearance and fitness standards.
Unfortunately, this pressure can lead some individuals to develop an unhealthy reliance on exercise to achieve these goals.
In such situations, professional support is necessary to overcome this challenge and regain control over one's well-being.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
If you think you might be struggling with alcohol abuse, the first step is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you assess your drinking habits and recommend treatment options. There are also many different types of treatment programs available for alcohol abuse, so you can find one that fits your needs and circumstances. Additionally, support groups can be a valuable resource for anyone struggling with alcohol abuse. These groups provide a safe space to share your experiences and connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
Dealing with someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol can be difficult. It is important to remember that addiction is a disease, and the addict is not responsible for their behavior. You can offer support and understanding, but it is important to set boundaries. You can also get help for yourself through therapy or counseling.
Some common signs of alcohol abuse include drinking more than intended, neglecting responsibilities, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that leads to problems in one's personal, professional, or social life.
Yes, alcohol abuse is a treatable condition. However, it often requires professional treatment to overcome. With the right support, though, anyone can overcome alcohol abuse and regain control of their life. It's important to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling. With the right treatment, anyone can overcome alcohol abuse and regain control of their life.
Alcoholism refers to a disease that is characterized by a strong craving for alcohol and an inability to control one's drinking.
