Mohamed Salah
Excessive enthusiasm for exercising without complying with signs of a problem that calls for stopping and resting, foreshadows a person with addiction to training, which causes psychological stress on him, and may pose a risk to his life.
Two do not disagree that regular exercise is beneficial for body health and heart health, increasing self-esteem and reducing the negative effect associated with depression and anxiety. However, this does not mean that it is being overrated to the point that it may harm our physical and mental integrity. There is a difference between professional athletes practicing intense exercise in preparation for sports tournaments, and obsession with excessive exercise that may lead to damage to the body, heart and brain, according to many studies.
So it is necessary to take into account the health status of the body and the age of the trainee, as it is permissible for adults about five hours of moderate exercise every week, and half of this period for intense and more powerful exercises.
Signs of sports becoming addictive
Kevin Roberts, a specialist in dealing with all types of addiction, including internet and sports addiction, tells us that "in order to maintain our physical and mental health during exercise, there are signs that must be monitored", including:
1- Exercise excessively to the point of exhaustion, without preventing you from illness, stress or bad weather.
2- Looking for ecstasy through exercise, acquired by the brain secretion some chemicals that improve mood and feeling happy, such as dopamine and endorphins, which makes you want to increase.
3- If you stop exercising, you will experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tension, guilt, and loss of appetite.
4- Your passion for exercise and your preoccupation with it reduces your activities and other life interests and turns them around.
5- Exercise is your only happiness, and you prefer to spend time with family and friends.
6- You ignore the injuries, so keep training even if you have muscle strain or a knee problem.
7- You feel uncomfortable, confused, or depressed, if you miss a day without exercising.
As for the Professor of Psychology in San Diego, California, Dr. Candice City, she adds:
8- You have a negative image of your body and are looking to get a perfect body in a voracious and unrealistic way.
9 - feel guilt after eating, and accelerated to exercise to get rid of extra calories.
10- They are in the exercise hall for hours, or you visit them several times during the day, which makes you feel tired most of the time.
"If you find three or more of these signs you have, you need specialized help to get rid of addiction, and if you don't, you are doing long-term damage to your body and mind," said Roberts.
Excessive exercise damage
Exercising in exercise has severe consequences for the body, brain, and sexual desire, due to fatigue, physical decline, and low testosterone levels, as well as anxiety, stress, eating disorders, arthritis, and tendons. Heavy exercises keep immunity at a low level for up to 72 hours after exercise, which makes the body an easy catch for viral infections, bacterial invasion, and respiratory infections.
Unlike light and medium exercise that boosts testosterone and immunity, research has found that mild to moderate speed jogging is a less risky cause of death from a fast enemy more than three times a week, because running too much can damage the heart and upset its heartbeat. Experts believe that the arterial hypertrophy resulting from high-intensity exercises increases the pressure on the heart and blood vessels, increases their thickness and tears the muscle tissue.
As for women, it is more dangerous when they associate excessive exercise with the desire to lose more calories. While it is sufficient for a woman to exercise physically in moderation, even once a week, to avoid the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Exercising too much will not bring more benefits, but may delay your period, osteoporosis and appetite disorders.
Stop any harmful exercise
Citi recommends restraint and stop exercising for a while to control exercise craze through the following steps:
Do not frequently visit the gym, and reduce the time and amount of your daily exercise.
Take a break from exercise throughout the week, to allow your body some time to rest and recover.
- Use training and nutritionists to adjust your daily exercise and diet, in proportion to your age and health, to avoid any physical or psychological problems.
Seek professional help through your doctor or mental health expert who specializes in exercise addiction or sports psychology.
As for nutritionist and yoga teacher Claire Choeng, she recommends that you turn exercise into freedom and pleasure rather than punishment, by engaging in activities such as yoga, walking, and swimming.