Exercise is very essential for the human body. However, a workout-aholic loses the benefit of exercise and strays into exercise becoming a bad habit. People who exercise everyday – morning, afternoon and evening – are in big trouble, because resting is also an important part of exercise.
Our bodies are not designed to workout without being given the chance to rest and reactivate itself. No one can deny that working out regularly is an advantage that everyone should be encouraged to take. On the other hand, being a workout-aholic is very harmful as it may lead to a vulnerable, diseased mind and body.
The human body needs sufficient rest, which is why it is recommended by health experts to exercise every 3 to 4 days a week. Moderate exercising is advised by doctors as it is healthy and makes people happy.On the other hand, over-exercising can put you physically at a great risk. Over-exercising can create extremely tight muscles, which may slow the development of the muscle tissue. The overexertion of the muscles causes Rhabdomyolysis, or muscle destruction. Not only does it increase the chance of stroke and circulation problems, but it is also a form of addiction that needs to be stopped gradually as the sudden termination of excessive workout can create a sort of disconsolation and a constant change in the mood. It’s true that working out helps in weight loss but being a workout-aholic can cause anorexia athletica as well as bulimia and both are caused by eating disorders which is the result of extreme, uncontrolled sorts of exercises.
Not only does extreme exercising affect people physically but also mentally. Workout-aholics seem to show social isolation. They prefer spending most of the time in the gym, being involved in vigorous exercises several hours a day several times a week, refusing any gatherings or engagements. However, this choice of alienation leads to social instability and lack of family bonding. Compulsive exercise also results in low self-esteem, depression, irritation, insomnia and anxiety.
Extreme workouts are harmful for both men and women. Women who over-exercise tend to be more exposed to a lot of hormonal changes which can lead to low estrogen production that results in delaying the onset of menstruation. They also suffer from stress fractures, scoliosis and low bone mineral density. Men who over-exercise tend to carry extremely heavy weights which are not suitable for their bodies. While they’re in the state of heavy weight endurance, they jerk the weights, which results in potential injuries and bad muscle formation.
How is it possible to differentiate between a workout-aholic and a moderate, regular exerciser? There are some signs that distinguish one from the other. Workout-aholics usually suffer from constant headaches, muscle soreness, abnormal increase in the heart rate and recurrent illnesses. As time passes, people who over-exercise will notice a decrease in their performance and might also feel a sudden inability to complete workouts. However, a moderate exerciser will feel more energetic with a good physique, satisfied with the amount of exercise he or she has done.
Psychiatrists encourage workout-aholics to follow a moderate routine of exercise by suggesting some tips. First, a person needs to reduce his or her routine of going to the gym to 4 days a week. Secondly, stopping for breaks of about 2 to 5 minutes is essential for the body to retain its energy for the following workout. Workouts should also vary. It is advisable not do the same workout everyday because this may lead to repetitive stress injuries. Fourth, warming up is very crucial before starting a workout. It protects the body from different injuries and muscle soreness. Last but not least, getting a good amount of sleep is also an essential part of the working out routine.
Although being a workout-aholic is a way of losing calories, it damages parts of the human body and mind. Thus, a reasonable amount of exercise can be of a great benefit to the body .It will maintain physical fitness, overall health, elevate moods and is a great energy boost.
by Mona Salman
abc News
LiveStrong
huffingtonpost