What Is Exercise Addiction?

In our quest for health and wellness and living up to the standards set by society we strive to fit in. Thousands exercise daily for the washboard abs, bulging pecs, and biceps of steel; but not without a price. How much exercise is considered too much? There are many signs of over training. “First, if an athlete continues to workout despite a serious physical injury that places him at a greater riskfor increasing damage. Secondly, if the athlete ia made aware that by continuing to exercise will aggravate the present condition; and still chooses to exercise anyway, or being advised by health care professional that continueing to exercise is contraindicated; but still has the urge to train. It can be said that this individual is addicted to exercise. Further, if an athlete places working out above everything else ie. Friends, family etc. then he or she should be screened for the addiction.”[1] This answers the question, “How much aerobic exercise is too much?”

Exercise has been proven to be effective in boosting the immune response. For example, a classical response to high-intensity exercise is a sustained neutrophilia during the recovery period for up to 3 hours. Neutrophils are an important component in the learning of the immune system.[2] On the contrary, in the case of IgA, the first line defense against pathogens that enter the body, have been shown to decrease its function during intense workouts; in addition to a higher risk for upper respiratory tract infection.[3] It is also note worthy that in the same study, young boys experienced a slight but significant increase in IgA after practice and post game situations,[4] this is evident that exercise provides a benefit, however with moderation.

In regards to adolescent athletes overtraining can be quite severe. For example, in adolescent athletes ligament injuries are rare when there is an open growth plate, ruling out fracture then takes priority. In comparison, overuse in adults are more likely to have ligament damage due to the closure of their growth plates.[5] Growth plates can be considered as soft bone tthat has not hardened. under extreme force or repetative use these plates can be comprimised. It is very important that the amount of exercise one undergos is monitored carefully by the athlete as well as the health practitioner. As a gauge for over training, one might determine that overuse is evident if after an athletes work is completed, if there is debilitating pain (not usual soreness) that affects the athlete’s activities of daily living.

On our journey for the perfect physique, we must not ignore the warning signs of the body. The body is designed to protect itself by various means of protection, swelling, eliciting pain, or even muscles locking to restrict motion. As we train our athletes to train properly, we must train them to listen to their bodies.

[1] Fisher,L.PhD,Wrisberg,C.PhD, Recognizing and Dealing With Exercise Addiction (2004) Human Kinetics, ATT 9(1) pp.36-37
[2] Timmons,B. Immune Reponse to Exercises in Children: A Brief Review, Pediatrics Exercise Science (2006), 18, 290-299
[3-4]Gleeson,M., Pyne,D.B., Callister, R., The Missing Link In Exercise Effects on Muccosal Immunity, Exercise Immunology Review (2004) 10:107-128
[5] MacFarland,E.G., MD., Efstathios,C.,MD., Kim,T.K., MD, Upper Extremity Injuries in the Adolescnet Athlete, Athletic Training Today (2002) 7(6), pp.13-17