Does exercise make you feel better? Yes, getting regular sweat sessions is undeniably beneficial to our health. When we see improvements in our body it brings such satisfaction and the ego-stroking thrill starts. We tend to post our fitness achievements on social media so our friends and officemates can see this. 

Yes, as a human, it is normal. These dollops of "fitspiration" are what oftentimes push us to be active. However, this could be the cause for some problems to arise. Have you ever heard the old saying, “too much of a good thing can be a bad thing?”. In case you’re wondering: Yes, exercise addiction happens. According to one study, for around 3% of gym-going people, working out develops into a compulsion that has a negative impact on their lives. If we would be able to identify signs of compulsive exercise early, this may help you stop the cycle before it reaches the level of addiction. 

Here are some more general signs to look out for.

You Become Agitated and Irritable

You tend to become depressed, anxious, or agitated if you miss a workout. Even just missing one exercise in your program makes you uncomfortable. 

You Always Get Injured

 You have to listen to your bodily cues. When you are already pushing yourselves to exercise even when you are injured or sick then step back before you do some major damage. Failing to rest when it’s clearly needed will put you at significant risk for further injury and illness.

You are Missing Priorities.

You frequently miss a work deadline, family gatherings, even the soccer game of your child just to work out. You also tend to cancel plans at the last minute or turn down going for dinner with friends because it conflicts with the hours you'd spend in the gym.

You Excessively Spending for Your Workouts

When you spend money beyond your means to maintain your workout. You are 100% investing in your workout and nothing else.

You Workout To Escape

Your primary goal is no longer balancing the mind or reducing stress. You see exercise as an escape from the stress rather than to address your emotions and resolve the problem.

You Spend A Lot of Time at the Gym

When you are spending 3-4 Hours at the Gym each day as the gym rats only spends a few hours a week. When you don't get satisfied with your workout and push yourselves to the limit to force further improvements.

You Workout to Make Up for Meals

When you’re intensely exercising in order to compensate or punish yourself because you ate too much earlier or the day before.

Exercise is a great way to manage stress and to address negative feelings but the quest to find the balance between healthy and obsessive exercise is difficult to do on your own. We highly encourage anyone who thinks they might be using exercise in an unhealthy manner to reach out for support or consider discussing your concern with a professional. They will help you to work toward finding ways to make fitness a balanced part of your life.