Excessive Exercise

InnerTrition is about optimizing health and wellbeing by creating balance between core fundamentals. One of which includes exercise. While exercise is an essential component, it is important to understand that due to the effects on brain chemistry, for some... it can become excessive or compulsive...which becomes counterproductive in reaching optimal health.

Because exercise is a highly promoted health benefit and an admirable habit, it is often not recognized when someone is taking it to the extremes. At InnerTrition, we are all advocates of training hard and pushing the limits, however within the boundaries of safety and adherence to proper technique and structure… also importantly, proper amount and duration.

It is crucial for all professionals in the health and fitness industry to be aware of the warning signs and red flags that someone may be struggling with obsessive exercise.

Here are some signs that could indicate someone may have taken exercise a bit too far.

 ·      Exercises for much longer than what would be considered a normal amount of time. More than an hour per      
        day everyday may be excessive

·      Feelings of depression or guilt when exercise is withheld

·      Overly concerned with body aesthetic

·      Interferes with relationships, family, work, school

·      Preferred way of coping with stress

·      Defines overall self-worth in terms of exercise performance

·      Feelings that interrupted exercise is incomplete...feels like they did not get enough

·      Rarely takes part in exercise for fun. Lesser activities are viewed as not demanding enough

·      Refusal to build in days of rest or recovery; Exercises despite injury or illness

·      Rigidity, inflexibility regarding exercise schedule or routines

·      Sleep/appetite disturbance, mood shifts, intense anxiety

·      Deprives self of food or overly restricts Calorie intake if unable to exercise

·      Those who compulsively exercise are at risk for developing eating disorders, and are also more likely to be 
        unhappy

While exercise and physical activity are essential for overall wellbeing, it is imperative to understand..."for every action...there is an opposite and equal reaction!"

Follow our blog by checking out our website at www.innertrition.com or liking InnerTrition on Facebook and twitter.  Our future posts will include how nutrition plays an important role in this balance. Ideally...How to set a plan that is demanding, that will require dedication and commitment...BUT optimal!

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