Could I Be Over-Exercising?

Could I Be Over-Exercising?

Exercise is universally recommended as a way to be healthy but many people are taking it to an extreme. Some gym members and marathon runners are not exercising for fitness or pleasure but instead are focused on getting thin and adhering to their strict workout for a sense of control. People who continue to exercise in spite of medical and/or other consequences have been referred to as obligatory or compulsive exercisers because they seem unable to stop exercising, even when injured, exhausted, and begged or threatened by others to stop. Compulsive exercisers are "addicted" to exercise because they are consumed by the need for physical activity to the point of damage to their lives.
Features of a compulsive exerciser:

·  This person maintains a high level of exercise and is uncomfortable with taking a break to rest.

·  This individual depends on exercise for self-definition and/or mood stabilization.

·  There is an intense, driven quality to the activity that becomes self-perpetuating and resistant to change, compelling the person to continue while feeling the lack of ability to control or stop the behavior.

·  These people will use rationalizations and other defense mechanisms to protect their involvement in the activity.

·  Although there is no particular personality profile, these people are often achievement oriented, independent, self-controlled, perfectionist, and persistent so they often appear as healthy, high-functioning individuals.

Why would I feel the need to over exercise?
Compulsive exercise can be a defense against emotions and is often used to soothe, organize, and maintain self-esteem. These people feel a sense of control of their bodies through exercise and are overly conscious of input versus output equations. They are extremely committed individuals and pride themselves on putting mind over matter, valuing self-discipline, self-sacrifice, and the ability to persevere.
There are serious health consequences related to compulsive exercise including:

·  Fatigue

·  Reduction in performance

·  Decreased concentration

·  Increased compulsivity

·  Decreased heart rate response to exercise

·  Increased catabolic (cortisol) response (muscle wasting)

Compulsive exercise typically requires professional help to overcome. Healthy exercise means finding a balance between overtraining and inactivity. If you or someone you know may be over exercising, get help today.
Taken from:

http://www.healthyplace.com/eating-disorders/main/over-exercising-over-activity/menu-id-58/