Do you love running on the treadmill? Do you love it so much that you end up running for hours together, only to come home exhausted, yet you wake up early the next morning to go back for more?

Don’t hurt yourself by overdoing the exercise. Look out for these signs that tell you you’re addicted to working out:

Symptoms

If you’re one of those people who cannot miss even one day of exercise, its time for a reality check.

Do you cut down on your hours of sleep so that you can hit the gym early?

Do you feel excessively guilty if you missing a workout session?

Do you make up for lost time on the treadmill by doing long back-to-back long sessions?

Do you feel the compulsive need to hit the gym though your weighing scale tells you you don’t need to do it everyday?

Or do you not feel motivated anymore after a workout?

If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, chances are you are an exercise addict!

What causes it?

Exercise addicts often do not have a positive body image. They often view themselves as not worthy, and this may eventually affect their social life.

Everyone does not have a healthy body image of themselves and this could be another trigger,. Other factors like peer pressure, stress and depression build up to the addiction. “Our body releases hormones like endorphin that makes us feel good and gives us clarity of thought and helps us focus,”.

The damage

Excessive exercise can damage tendons, ligaments, bones, cartilage and joints. When minor injuries are not given enough time to heal, they could worsen and result in long-term damage. It eventually destroys muscle mass, especially if the body is not getting enough nutrition. Exercise addiction could have an impact on the heart. Especially if accompanied by an eating disorder, diet pills or other supplements.

Dealing with it

. “Maintaining a diary will bring the addiction to your notice,” . If a family member or friend points out an addiction, the person may lash out, thinking it a lack of concern towards their own health. “Learn to draw your limits and try not to get influenced by what your peers do,” .