Exercise addiction, or dependence, is a craving for leisure-time physical activity, resulting in uncontrollable excessive exercise behavior that manifests as physiological (e.g., tolerance) and/or psychological (e.g., withdrawal) symptoms (Hausenblas & Symons Downs, 2002). Primary exercise addiction is when the underlying motivation to exercise is based on the psychological gratification of the exercise itself. This is different from excessive exercise present in eating disorder patients (also known as secondary exercise addiction), in which the exercise represents a means to control weight. In these eating disorders, excessive exercise is used for caloric control and weight loss rather than for escape
from a psychological hardship.
Exercise addiction symptoms include tolerance and withdrawal (e.g., mood disturbance, restlessness), lack of control, exercising despite injury or illness, and giving up social, occupational, and family obligations to exercise. In addition to these symptoms, exercise addiction is also characterized by a craving for exercise. Exercise addicts are distinguished from other highvolume exercisers, like elite athletes, whose intrinsic desire to exercise is under control and does not regularly result in emotional, social, or occupational disruptions.
The incidence of high risk for exercise addiction
is 0.3% 0.5% in the general population, while among
regular exercisers it ranges between 1.9% and 5.0%
(Monok, Berczik, Urban, Szabo, & Griffiths, 2012;
Symons Downs, Hausenblas, & Nigg, 2004).
A positive relationship exists with exercise addiction
to other behavioral addictions, such as shopping, gambling,
and internet use. People who strongly identify themselves as an exerciser are perfectionistic, and have
low self-esteem are more at risk for exercise addiction.
As well, individuals with higher neurotic and extraverted
as opposed to agreeable personalities are more
at-risk for exercise addiction. Men and women are
equally at risk for exercise addiction, but symptoms
often manifest among men as primary exercise addiction
whereas in women, symptoms are likely secondary
to an eating disorder.
Like most behavioral addictions, cognitive-behavioral
therapy is often recommended to help manage the
underlying mood, emotional, and cognitive symptoms
of exercise addiction.
