In a recent article in Fitness Magazine titled “Confessions of a Cardioholic” by Jessica Girdwain people who show signs of addiction to exercise include canceling trips (not flexible in changing their training schedule), exercising even when severely injured, or/and in doing 2 or more hours of exercise per day.

“Their dependency started as an innocent wish to get in shape but quickly morphed into an unhealthy obsession.”

“Athletes tend to be driven, type A personality,..They often think that more training is better.”

“With each workout, I vowed to run a minute longer or record a faster time on the treadmill.”

“Much like a drug addict, a compulsive exerciser may feel withdrawal symptoms when she doesn’t get her fix- the powerful endorphin rush that comes from working out…something similar to a runner’s high.”

Symptoms of overtraining include low energy, loss of motivation, fatigue, illness or abnormal heart rate.

Here’s my take on my personal love of exercise:

It’s highly likely that I am addicted to exercise- but in a good way.  I love it, but, I know when to quit.  I’m happy getting my one hour a day, five days a week.  The “extra” that I get- teaching yoga to kids is my job and there are days when I do everything I can to do as little as possible {using demonstrators, student teachers and games to limit how much “extra” that I get!} because I am physically fried.  But, it’s not everyday.

Yes, I LOVE THAT FEELING OF ENDORPHIN HIGH.  There are days when I leave my gym and feel like a million bucks.  There are other days when I leave that I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck.  We have easy days and we have hard days- that is why I can go five days a week.

Yes, with each workout, I make a mental note on how I could improve it.  And, in three to four months when it comes up again, I will.  That’s a healthy sign of improvement.

Here’s why I am not unhealthfully addicted to exercise:

I recognize my need for rest and I take rest days ( sometimes grudgingly and sometimes happily!)

Injuries equal rest for me.

Trips mean a change in plans for exercise – not a reason to cancel.  And, trips usually mean a lighter workout and or rest days for me.

If a workout gets canceled or I’m unable to attend, it’s likely that I’d find a way to do something at home…but the bottom line is 5 days a week minimum.

Maybe I am, maybe I’m not…I just watch my body for signs of overtraining and my mood.

What’s your take on exercise addiction?  Do you feel addicted to exercise? How are you feeling if you can’t workout? Do you push yourself every single time you go out?