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Exercise Addiction: Tips & Advice
by
Linda L. Simmons, Psy.D.
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- Exercise addiction may change the brain
- Exercise addiction may hinder socializing
- Abstinence not the answer for exercise addict
With more and more attention given to the need for healthier lifestyles, what could possibly be wrong with exercise? The answer is nothing, when used as an adjunct to a balanced plan for developing and maintaining good health and there are no prohibiting medical factors. However, when exercise takes over a person’s life, the potential for addiction is there.
Two diagnostic criteria have been identified as necessary for someone to have exercise addiction. There must be impaired functioning in at least two of these areas: psychological, social, occupational, physical, and behavioral. Secondly, as with other addictions, withdrawal symptoms appear when the behavior is stopped. Within twenty-four to thirty-six hours of no exercise, the withdrawal symptoms of anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and guilt may be expected to appear.
It is strongly suspected that exercise addiction may produce changes in the brain. A study done with mice demonstrated that when these mice were denied exercise after an intense run, they were found through brain scans to have increased levels of brain activity in sixteen out of twenty-five brain regions. The affected areas of the brain were the same as those connected to cocaine, morphine, alcohol, or nicotine withdrawal. It is known that in humans, vigorous exercise triggers the release of endorphins in the brain. Remember that endorphins are the body’s natural opiates and they serve to relieve pain and act as a natural tranquilizer, both of which are powerful reinforcers for exercise.
How do you know if you are addicted to exercise? There are some definite signs to watch for, including:
- You may develop a regularly scheduled pattern of exercise that you feel you must follow to avoid anxiety.
- Exercise takes priority over all other activities.
- You notice an increased tolerance to exercise, beyond what would be typically expected.
- You experience withdrawal symptoms (such as those already described) following the discontinuation of exercise. When exercise is resumed, you feel intense relief.
- You may become aware of a compulsive drive to exercise or others around you may note this and remark on it to you.
- You engage in exercise in spite of injuries or physical deterioration.
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