Exercise addition is rare, but real (Women Fitness). Among those who are actively involved in sports, 1 percent tends to overestimate the meaning and the significance of exercises in their lives (Women Fitness). Research suggests that “for some people, exercise can become compulsive, to a degree which is as physically, psychologically and emotionally destructive as ingesting chemicals” (Addictions). As a result, previously positive and useful exercises turn into a real psychological addiction, which inevitably produces numerous adverse effects on the quality of human physiological and psychological performance.
Psychology holds various ideas about the nature of human addiction. Traditionally, the term “addiction” is related to drugs or some other types of pharmaceutical products, which lead to repeated ingestion and change human perceptions about reality. However, Mathers and Walker suggest that the ideas about human addictions gradually change, and now “broad characteristics of drug addiction are identified in a range of behavior patterns that do not involve drugs” (125).
Exercise addiction is the bright example of psychological disorder, which does not involve drugs. Individuals with exercise disorders are overwhelmingly involved into various types of physical activity: they will skip other social activities, including school, work, entertainment, etc. , for the sake of exercise. Since 1976 when the term “exercise addiction” was coined by Dr. William Glazer exercise addicts are diagnosed with “low moods when they can’t train. […] With a negative addiction, the exercise overrides everything.
Relationships and work suffer; a day away from the gym, pool, or road causes distress” (Darling). Those with exercise addiction do not necessarily look different from those who do not have this type of psychological disorder, but some warning signs may help professionals identify possible “exercise threats”. People who work out alone, who always follow the same exercise pattern, who are increasingly involved into physical activity and exercise even when injured or unwell are likely to become exercise addicted (McLean in the News).
In this context, it is essential that positive addiction is not confused with negative addiction, where the boundaries of reason are erased, and where “the obsession with one’s running turns to an arrogance of mind over matter, where you confuse willfulness to overcome your body’s physical limitations with being strong-willed” (RRCA). Withdrawal is very common among exercise addicts; they also tend to experience mood swings and depressive disorders when compelled to miss the next exercise session (College of Education and Human Ecology).
A natural question is whether it is possible to prevent exercise addiction or at least to minimize its negative psychological consequences. Objectively, as any other type of addiction, exercise addiction needs motivation and the addict’s desire to quit (Mandel). Balanced work / exercise schedules may help potential and real addicts overcome their psychological problems (Georgia Southern University).
Professional counselors and trainers may help develop a balanced seven-day schedule, to guarantee that a person is able to set reasonable limits to the number of hours spent out in the gym, with extensive opportunities to spend the rest of free time with family, friends, at school or at work. Sports and exercises should always have an element of a game; if working out no longer looks like fun, something goes wrong and should be addressed before it turns into a serious psychological addiction (Newman). Conclusion
Exercise addiction is a relatively rare type of psychological disorder, which is characterized by the person’s abnormal devotion to physical activity. As any other type of addiction, exercise addiction requires motivation and the addict’s desire to quit. Balanced scheduling and working with counselors and trainers can help avoid the threats and negative consequences of exercise addiction.
Work Cited
Addictions. “Exercise Addiction. ” 2008. Addictions. co. uk. 23 November 2008. http://www. addictions. co. uk/addiction. asp? id=exercise
College of Education and Human Ecology. “Exercise Addiction. ” 2008. College of Education and Human Ecology. 23 November 2008. http://ehe. osu. edu/cs/bitf/exercise-addiction. htm Darling, A. “Kicking the Habit. ” 2007. The Guardian. 23 November 2008. http://www. guardian. co. uk/lifeandstyle/2007/dec/04/healthandwellbeing. health Georgia Southern University. “Exercise Addiction: an Issue for Some Students. ” 2007. Georgia Southern University. 23 November 2008. http://students. georgiasouthern. edu/parent/P%20A%20Documents/CLink/exerciseaddiction. pdf