6 Ways To Recognize If You Have An Exercise Disorder

Do you feel that you simply have to exercise even if you are body is riddled with aches and pains? In spite of having injuries? Is missing a workout never an option for you? If you feel like this then you might just have an exercise disorder.

You are exercising for the right reasons if you enjoy it and are happy about the health benefits that result. If you are the type however refuses to miss a run in spite of having nagging ankle pain then you just might be exercise obsessed. While there are no real guidelines on how much exercise is too much, if it interferes with your life and becomes all consuming to the point that it excludes other things then it could be a real issue. Typically those whose professions involve a great deal of fitness like athletes, performers, dancers, models etc or those who have perfectionist tendencies are vulnerable to developing exercise disorders. These are often accompanied by eating disorders. People with these disorders over exercises in their attempts to gain muscle mass, have the sculpted look or just burn more calories.

How can you tell if you have an eating disorder? Think about whether you are unhealthily preoccupied about the way you look? Do you constantly think about your weight or your appearance and spend lots of time looking yourself? Do you measure yourself constantly? Men can get obsessive about bulking up and having bigger muscles while women can get too preoccupied with looking thin.

Those who have exercise disorders also suffer from distorted body images. They may continually think of themselves in a distorted fashion, which exaggerates certain features and downplays others. For instance men who believe they have a scrawny body will overwork themselves to achieve a more manly body while women who think they are too big will over-indulge in exercises to get leaner.

How can you tell if you are over-exercising or are just an avid exercise enthusiast?

• Do you continually keep getting injuries?
• Do you feel that you need to continue to keep exercising even if you notice that it’s damaging your body?
• Do you beat yourself up too much if you miss a workout? Do you feel like you cannot afford to miss even a single session?
• Do you feel powerless to stop exercising sometimes?
• Are your family members or friends expressing their concerns about the way you look or your exercise routine?
• Do you devote so much time to exercising that you don’t have time available for work, relationships or even socializing with friends? In short, has it become all consuming?

If you answered yes to more than one of these questions then you may have an exercise disorder or may be vulnerable to developing one. Get the advice of a doctor, trainer or trusted friend to help you get rid of it.