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Addicted to exercise?
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Regular exercise is the key to good health. But there's a limit...
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HAVE YOU ever felt compelled to exercise even though you're running a low-grade fever? Do you continue with your daily runs despite the fact that your Achilles' tendon is tender and throbbing, or repeatedly skip family obligations or outings with friends in favour of workouts?
While regular exercise is key to good health and can do a great deal to improve your quality of life, there is a small percentage of individuals who go too far. Driven to push themselves to the limit, they risk damage to their bones, joints and soft tissue. And there are emotional injuries to accompany the physical ones, including depression, guilt, anxiety and low self-esteem.
How do you know if you're addicted to exercise? The following are signs of an unhealthy compulsion to exercise:
* You exercise every day, regardless of weather, illness or personal injury.
* You feel guilty or anxious if you miss even one workout.
* You spend a great deal of the time you're not exercising thinking about exercise.
* Your commitment of working out is a point of friction between you and your friends or family.
* If you miss a workout, you exercise twice as long the next time.
If you answer yes to two or more of these statements, it's time to take a closer look at what's driving you to exercise and take steps to pull your fitness program back into proper balance. Many sports psychologists suggest keeping an exercise diary that logs your emotions as well as your miles. If you find it difficult to scale back, don't be afraid to seek professional help. The alternative might be permanent injury that puts an end to your workouts for good.
You may find it helpful to partner with a friend who can help you keep your fitness program in perspective. The following exercise will provide both of you with a great stretch for the calf muscles. These muscles work all day, so they deserve a good stretch.
Stand facing your partner with your toes nearly touching. Press the palms of your hands together at shoulder level and reach one leg backward into a lunge position. Make sure your knees and toes are facing forward as you lunge. Keep your front knee bent and gently press your back heel downward until you feel a stretch from your heel up to the back of your knee. Hold the stretch for at least 15 seconds, while you concentrate on relaxing your calf muscle and breathing naturally.
Press your hands together to help balance and stabilise your position. Repeat the stretch for the other leg, and continue alternating sides for up to four stretches per leg.
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