Exercise junkies might be getting too much of a good thing

Exercise junkies might be getting too much of a good thing


Unfortunately, people face all sorts of harmful addictions in their lives. Drugs. Alcohol. Gambling. Tobacco. And some even suggest our brains can get hooked on junk food.

But exercise? That’s supposed to be healthy, isn’t it? Well, as the old saying goes, you can have too much of a good thing.

A study by Norwegian scientists notes that our efforts to escape from and cope with the stresses and ills of life can lead to a dependence on exercise.

We all deal with stress through various forms of escapism. Some seek out positive experiences as a salve to the soul when they feel overwhelmed. They play with their kids or dogs or both. They turn the music up. All this isn’t a bad thing, researchers say, and serves as a distraction or a way to regain perspective.

Others embrace maladaptive escapism to suppress the negative, often by drinking or using drugs or, yes, working out too much.

Scientists recruited 227 recreational runners and quizzed them about their physical activity and lives generally, including their satisfaction with life. They found those who reported poor well-being were especially apt to indulge too much in exercise.

Certainly, running, biking or doing squat thrusts and jumping jacks late into the night is healthier than more harmful alternatives.

But investigators note these exercise extremes can undo any benefit. Overworking the body leads to pain and injury, unhealthy weight loss and heart problems. Anxiety, depression and social impairment are risks as well.

It’s usually a good idea to do most things in moderation. In the gym, that means exercising good judgment. Go easy on the pushups.

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