Exercise Addiction

Addiction, in general, is a term used to describe a compulsion, obsession or a dependence on something. This could be a substance or a process. With both, there is need and craving to have more and more or undertake the action more and more often.  There are several characteristics of this neurobiological disorder.  The behaviour continues despite negative consequences and there is a loss of control in regards to using the substance or doing the action. This is true of exercise addiction.

In exercise addiction, the adrenaline rush associated with the exercise becomes something the individual wants to have more and more of.  This condition often accompanies an eating disorder such as bulimia. The individual believes that they must engage in exercise to compensate for food eaten or just to burn calories.  The disorder often begins innocently enough. An individual begins a workout routine in order to get healthier or look better. As time passes, they go overboard and literally feel that they must work out more than would be accepted as normal.  As with other addictions, the act itself becomes less pleasurable but there is brief state of euphoria afterwards.  Over time, it takes more of the substance or act to reach that state.

There are several signs and symptoms associated with exercise addiction.  The individual may become a regular at a gym or fitness centre, to the point of visiting more than once per day.  The individual may suffer from a distorted body image and or an eating disorder.  The individual may seem to be in constant motion or take time away from other activities to workout.  Their relationships may suffer due to time spent at the gym or on the treadmill.   They may even jeopardize school or employment to make time to run or some other activity.

The first step in treating an exercise addiction is to admit the problem exists. This can be difficult when the activity involved is something that is typically viewed as a healthy undertaking.  A modified routine is usually put into place rather than a complete elimination. This modification brings with it reduced adrenaline rush and can be difficult for the individual at first.  Other healthy, pleasurable activities are encouraged to fill the time normally spent at the fitness centre.  Exercise addiction treatment may also include some type of therapy. This may take the form of addiction counselling, hypnotherapy and hypnosis downloads.

Tom Smith common name, uncommon therapy