Are you exercising too much?
By: John Linger, LCSW
What’s the saying? “You can never have too much of a good thing?” Well, I don’t think I have to say much to convince you that quote is a bit (or completely) untrue. Just ask anyone in Chicago and they’ll confirm that too many slices of deep dish pizza is just one example of something that proves this old adage false. Right?
But there’s something else that many folks (perhaps you?) overlook as another example: exercise.
Pressure to live a healthy lifestyle is pervasive. You are undoubtedly inundated with loads of information about exercise. Reading through any news source or scanning social media will deliver a wealth of ads and selfies demonstrating the latest exercise fads, and research encouraging you to “Get up and move!”
And, hopefully, you’ve fit some exercise into your life in some way. (After all, it does wonders for your mental health!) So, we can all agree that exercise is, overall, a good thing. But, like I mentioned before, too much can be… well, just that–too much.
Exercise addiction is an often overlooked struggle in our society. This is due, in part, to the common belief that exercise is always a positive thing. The truth is, for some people, it can begin to take over their lives, causing more harm than good. For some folks, regardless of how exercising excessively impacts their lives outside the gym, it seems impossible to slow down and allow their bodies to rest. However, as with any other addiction, this one needs to be addressed in order to achieve a healthier, more balanced life.
Here are some signs you might be exercising excessively or addicted to exercise:
1. INJURIES
This one might seem obvious, but it can be an easily overlooked sign. Sure, sore muscles are a common (and expected) consequence of working out, but there’s a limit to how long and how severe that soreness should be. Similarly, chronic sports injuries may be a signal that you aren’t giving yourself enough time to recover.
2. OBSESSIVE THINKING
Do you find yourself fixated on thoughts related to your workout? For example, thinking about how or if you want to change up your routine, or if you performed well enough during your last workout. Do you have trouble giving your full attention to that friend you’ve met downtown because you’re stressed about getting to your workout on time? If thoughts of exercising are persistently keeping you from attending to other activities, this should be addressed.
3. RELATIONSHIPS
When someone feels obligated to squeeze in a workout during any spare hour they have, significant relationships are likely suffering. Life needs balance and if you’re struggling with an addiction to exercise, you’ll likely find that your workouts get in the way of quality time with the ones you love.
4. GUILT
Again, we all struggle with a little bit of this in some shape or form. But, there’s an amount of guilt that is unproblematic (or even “healthy”), and then there’s guilt that devastates and deflates you. Missing a workout can cause the later for people struggling with an exercise addiction. The guilt leads to shame and can feel completely overwhelming and insurmountable. Often, it can seem the only way to ease the guilt is to incorporate a longer, harder workout as soon as possible. This can become a destructive cycle.
5. SELF-CRITICISM
For people who are addicted to exercise, self-criticism can be off the charts. Exercise comes to be seen as a way to alter how we look and feel. Perpetuating the need to exercise excessively is constant self-criticism and negative judgements about your body. This often fuels the desire and commitment to exercising more and more, regardless of the mental, physical, and emotional consequences.
Exercise addiction is nothing to be ashamed of, and seeing a therapist to address your concerns can be life-changing. If any of the above sounds like something you may be struggling with, don’t hesitate to seek help.
