Are You Exercising Too Much?

Your attitude toward exercising provides important clues about whether you have a problem with over exercising, according to Theresa Fassihi, Ph.D., a psychologist with the Eating Disorders Program at The Menninger Clinic. You may be exercising too much if you:

• Feel you absolutely cannot miss your workout. If you do miss a workout, you feel extremely guilty and uneasy.

• Feel you have to exercise even if you notice that instead of helping your body; you are damaging your body.

• Are getting more injuries.

• Hear family and friends expressing concern about your exercise regimen or appearance, yet don't stop exercising.

• Feel like you can't stop exercising. "It can feel like an addiction for some people," Fassihi says. "They feel like they are powerless to stop."

If you believe you have an over exercising disorder or at risk for developing an over exercising disorder, seek help from a trusted advisor, such as a coach or teacher, or a doctor or mental health professional.

—Source: The Menninger Clinic