We all know that exercising is imperative for optimum cardiovascular health as well as good physique. However, just like the old adage goes, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. So in other words, exercising more often than recommended can be just as harmful to your health and wellbeing as not getting any exercise at all.
Is it possible for a person to get hooked on exercising?
The answer is a resounding “yes”. While it’s true that there is no such thing as exercise addiction found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder or DSM-5 by the American Psychiatric Association, which is the handbook that is employed by mental health care professionals in the US as well as many of those in other countries, there is actually a growing number of scientific and anecdotal evidence that exercise addiction is actually a real thing.
So how can you tell if you’re just committed to exercising or you’re already addicted to it?
For most people, exercising on a regular basis is a pleasurable thing because it makes them feel happy as well as great about themselves — there is something about sticking to a regular regiment of exercise that’s simply fulfilling, not to mention that it’s quite obvious that it is a huge favor to one’s overall health.
However, it is an entirely different story if exercising becomes a compulsion. There is undoubtedly something wrong if a person’s commitment to exercising already interferes with his or her normal living, tasks and responsibilities.
In some instances, it can be difficult to tell apart the difference between being devoted to becoming fit and healthy via exercising and exercise addiction. So how can you tell if you are already one of the many, many individuals out there who are apparently hooked on exercising? Here are some of the signs:
You feel like it’s the end of the world if you missed a trip to the gym
There are many things far more important than working out, and there are times when you have no choice but to prioritize them. And when you do, you feel really guilty or anxious for skipping exercising.
You have lots of injuries
Too much exercise can certainly put your body in a lot of strain, thus making it very prone to getting injured. It’s a complete no-no to exercise to 100% of your full capabilities if you are still nursing painful and sore muscles or joints as they can easily wind up injured furthermore.
You have relationships that are failing
Would you rather spend time with your trainer at the gym rather than with your family, friends or spouse? Then it’s not unlikely for your bond with a lot of people to weaken as you attempt to make your muscles stronger and bigger.
You are spending lots of money on fitness-related stuff
Something is definitely wrong if majority of your budget goes to sporting goods, exercise equipment, fitness supplements and gym subscriptions. Also, your closet mostly consists of workout attires.
You are in a competition with yourself
It’s perfectly fine for a person who likes to get fit to dream about attaining the physique of their favorite celebrities. However, it is a different thing if a person’s goal is to always outdo his or her previous performance at the gym, which is an unhealthy behavior.
You are happy only when exercising
If stepping foot in the gym is the only thing that can put a smile in your face, then there is certainly a problem going on. It can be an indicator that you have overlooked some of the most important sources of happiness for most people, like family, traveling, having a hobby, etc.
