The gym is not the sort of place people like to show weakness and, while this can be a great motivator, it can also lead some people to go too far. According to one study as much as 42% or gym goers were affected by an exercise addiction. For these people, regular, healthy exercise is not enough; they have to set extreme goals, exercise for hours daily and see resting or leisure as eating into exercise time.
Some are addicted to the endorphins; others simply want to feel better about themselves. Rather than a healthy habit, exercise becomes a coping mechanism to beat worry, heartache and feelings of low self-esteem.
Of course, too much exercise isn’t good for you. It can result in a loss of interest in important daily activities, weakened joints, a depressed immune system and, ultimately, injury and illness.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Cancelling social engagements and prioritising exercise over loved ones
- Exercising when injured or unwell
- Being told that you’re overdoing it
- You define happiness by your level of fitness.
If this sounds like you, it might be time to talk to a professional trainer to get advice on how much exercise you should be doing, or even a counsellor to see if there’s an underlying emotional or mental issue causing you to over-exercise.
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