“If I can’t run then I am going to get fat.
If I can’t run then I can’t eat.
If I can’t run then everyone thinks I am fat and ugly and fat.
If I do eat then I have to get rid of it.
If I don’t get rid of it then I am fat.
If I’m not 111 pounds then I must weigh too much.
I must run.”
If dieting taken to the extreme becomes an eating disorder, exercise activity, or over exercise taken to the same extreme may be viewed as an activity disorder, a term used by Alayne Yates in her book, Compulsive Exercise and the Eating Disorders (1991).
Over exercise, or compulsive exercising is a problem when the person is scheduling life around exercise just like people with eating disorders schedule their lives around eating or not eating, according to Paige Waehner, a certified personal trainer. A compulsive exerciser would rather exercise than spend time with friends or family, go to social events, and may even miss work and important appointments.
Besides isolation oneself, exercising too hard for too long, can do damage to one’s body. Muscle strains and sprains as well stress fractures are common among those who over exercise and with fatigue often comes lowered immune resistance.
The Eating Disorder Support Groups at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share personal experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
Related Articles
Anorexia Athletica
Eating Disorder History
Night Eating
Videos
Videjug: Over Exercise
Books
Google Books: Over Exercise
News
Google News: Over Exercise
Blogs
Blog: Over Exercise
