Are you exercise addicted?

They say exercise dependence like it's a bad thing!  How about from this perspective: if I don't exercise (walk, dance, run, hike, whatever) I feel more stressed, more fatigued, I tend to eat more, which makes me more stressed.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  We all know the health risks of not exercising and eating anything and everything, right?  So if I can 'workout' some stress by riding my bike (even the commute to and from work helps me), I'm much happier.  So maybe I do arrange obligations around my workout schedule (or make the obligation into my workout - bike to church and back instead of driving). 

And as for the off-season: I don't think there's any such thing.  There's a racing season, and preparatory seasons - but to improve ourselves, our times, or advance to the next level, we're not really off (although some people think we're a little off for even DOING triathlons!)

I have to wonder if the literature you're reading is subliminally trying to brainwash us into becoming couch-potatoes!  I find it very ironic that the media is screaming OBESITY EPIDEMIC!, everything is low-carb/no-carb Atkins BS - and here's a journal suggesting that maybe some people push the exercise a bit too far. 

I think there are some key parts to the definition that people are overlooking.  To wit: "despite injuries, obligations, or attempts to reduce their activity."

I feel like I have to exercise to remain sane.  That being said, I would not (1) continue running with a sprained ankle; (2) skip an important family event in order to maintain my routine; or (3) exercise at the same level during a recovery week. 

I remember reading about a teenager who actually was addicted to exercise.  She (1) tracked everything she ate and made sure that she exercised enough to eliminate the calories, (2) continued exercising at a level that she knew was unhealthy for her, (3) continued lowering her target weight/size as she acheived it and (4) skipped her own brother's wedding so that she would not miss a workout.

This does matter in the long run because, like any other addiction, it causes that addict to engage in unhealthy behavior and withdraw from those who care about them.  Just keep in mind that there is a line between commitment and dependence.  I think that line is crossed when people quit exercising for their health and happiness and start exercising in spite of their health and happiness.

I think exercise is habit-forming.  When I run every day at the same time, I begin to develop an "urge to run" sensation that precedes the normal schedule by about 30 minutes.  This is basically a good thing and helps keep a good habit going.  And, the feeling is probably both physiological and psychological. (I don't think there is a big difference.  The brain is an organ too)  Hence, the fact that this urge exists suggests that it can be overstimulated and can become a problem, which could be called an addiction.   And, I have seen runners who pushed themselves to run every day despite injuries and wound up permanently wounded as a result.  These are the 55-60 year old guys that I know that now have artifical knees and hips.

Moderation in all things.

TW

PS Ride:  Did you grow up in Lynchburg, VA.

I wouldn't run on a sprained ankle, nor would I ski on a sprained knee, but I would run out a calf-cramp, or bike with a sore hamstring.  I could find other ways to exercise, to balance an injury.  I just find it odd that while some medicos are screaming we're too fat and lazy (society in general), others are saying we're overdoing it.  Granted, I've also known people that go train like crazy, and wonder why they're suffering from a recurring injury.  I don't necessarily think they're addicted to exercise, but I sometimes feel they aren't exercising very intelligently.  And I admit to feeling like I'm cheating myself, if I take a day or two off, but I'll typically fill those days with hiking, chores like rearranging furniture, or something else that keeps me active.  I'm more worried about being in my 60s, inactive, and suffering a general decline in health.  I want to still be dancing, skiing, and running well into my 70s and 80s...

Also, I wouldn't skip my brother's wedding just to workout (if I had a brother), but there are days when I'd GLADLY ditch work to swim all day.