For many people, it’s hard to find enough time to exercise regularly. However, for a small percentage of people, it’s hard to stop working out or to even skip a day at the gym. That type of excessive exercise or exercise addiction can have just as many adverse effects on your health as not working out enough. Below you’ll see some of the signs that you’re getting too much of a good thing with your exercise routine.
You are suffering from repetitive use injuries.
If you maintain that pain is just weakness leaving the body, you’re probably pushing your body too hard, and that can lead to lasting orthopedic injuries. Repetitive use injuries become likely when you spend hours performing the same types of exercise each day. Even professional athletes take days off, so you shouldn’t push yourself to go for a full, lengthy workout every single day.
Your heartrate is elevated when you aren’t working out.
Raising your heart-rate with exercise is healthy for your heart. However, when you do too much and push too hard, your heart will start to feel the pressure. Plus, your body will start to overproduce hormones, which can further the damage to your heart. As a result, you may notice your heart racing even when you are resting.
Exercise doesn’t feel good anymore.
When you become addicted to exercise and feel the compulsion to continue with the same hard workouts day in and day out, you can burn out and start to feel depressed. You might continue to go to the gym, feeling the need for control, but your workout may not feel good like it used to. That’s your body telling you that you need to slow down and start having fun again with your workout.
Everyone’s exercise needs are unique, so you may need to work with your doctor to get your fitness routine just right. If you are struggling with exercise addiction, seeing a therapist can help you get your habits under control. For the mental and physical healthcare you need in a convenient private setting, visit MeMD. We are here for you any time, every day of the year.
