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sportscover.com
Insight
changes, they enjoy a bump in self-esteem that comes from
being better than others.
In an article on the subject for the Sydney Morning Herald,
psychiatrist Dr Tanveer Ahmed says people “who engage
in compulsive exercise also do so to feel more in control of
their lives. They often define their self-worth through their
athletic performance and try to deal with emotions such as
anger or depression by pushing their bodies to the limit.”
Cross addiction is another reason for exercise addiction.
Typically, people addicted to drugs or alcohol move to
another, less dangerous addiction to help them deal with
the loss of a compulsive activity in the past. One of the most
famous former alcoholic / exercise freak is former American
president, George W. Bush.
His battle with alcohol and his subsequent sobriety has much
to do with the fact that he became a committed sportsman.
James Harding, a prominent Bush-watcher, claims that
“he looks pumped”, and focuses on going “into the Dallas
sunshine to go mountain biking”.
Jake Gyllenhaal is another celebrity whose investment in
exercise has caused him to re-think his attitude and practice.
“I’ve had to teach myself to slow down a bit. Because I get
so into it, it becomes a real addiction,” Jake says.
Exercise addiction takes many forms, but typically addicts
participate in more solitary sports that do not require social
obligations. Some of the other key signs are:
• Avoiding rest days, which are in fact vital for giving
the body time to recover
• Turning down social opportunities in favour of a work out
• Constantly striving for more: for example, more
kilometres for runners, or more weight for body builders
• Thinking of food in terms of calories and type rather than
as food
• They continue their regular training schedules even on
holidays
Exercise addicts are like most addicts: they are unlikely to
concede that they have a problem. Family and friends, often
ignored and neglected by the addict, are usually the source
of change.
At its most extreme, exercise addiction is often followed by
body dysmorphia. This condition occurs when an individual’s
body image is so distorted that they fail to see in the mirror
what others see. In many women, this manifests itself in
anorexia. Males who bulk up may not see just how large
they are getting. They constantly crave more size, which
often leads to the use of dangerous substance abuse. At its
most extreme, dysmorphia results in freakish body shapes
and even death.
A healthy approach to exercise is paramount. If you think
you might be in danger of being an exercise addict, here are
a few tips to help you find a balance:
• Exercise should never be your first commitment. Take
stock of what you value in your life
• Decide on an exercise goal that is achievable. Once you
get there, change your practice to keep you at that level.
When you are in shape, you will need less exercise than
you needed to get you there
• Always have one or two rest days. They help you avoid
injury and ensure you have time to do other things with
your life
• Work with a professional. They will give you guidance
and balance in your exercise schedule
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