The Problem With Compulsive Exercise

Despite its reputation for being the disorder that everyone wishes they had, there are many downsides to compulsive exercise. First, it’s very time consuming. If left on my own, I’ll work out upwards of 5 or 6 hours a day. However, thanks to my children, I am never left on my own which becomes self limiting. Second, it often has the opposite of the desired effect. I first took up running to lose weight. But I’ve discovered that if I run too much, I actually gain weight. Third, I’ve experienced many negative health effects resulting from over training like amennorhea, a suppressed thyroid and a myriad of smaller injuries. The greatest toll however is on my mind. By making my self worth dependent on something so capricious as a good workout, I’ve set myself up for a veritable roller coaster of highs and lows.