I can only joke and say I wish this was case in my situation, but for some people it really is a problem, and not a laughing matter. Beliefnet posted an article that talked about how research indicates that psychological factors may be the cause for the "exercise high."
Our body releases endorphins when we exercise because exercise is a form of stress. Proponents of the endorphin rush believe that these hormones change the way we feel, thus giving us that high after working out. Some doctors refute this claim, saying that the rush is more hype than fact, because although our bodies do release endorphins during exercise, there's no evidence that the hormones change the way you actually feel, therefore making the "addiction" more psychological.
A friend of mine compares it to eating disorders. If you have an addictive personality, and you feel and see the positive results of exercise, it can become abused. I think it is definitely something to watch for, and is an issue that should be researched more.
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I'm no addict, but I have noticed that on the days I actually succeed at doing my sit-ups, I hit a point where I keep going, even though I know I'll be beyond sore the next day for pushing myself too far. I can only imagine the level folks would need to hit if they truly worked out like bodybuilders do, and I can see where it would be like a drug, constantly trying to hit that next "high" after the current set of reps doesn't "do it" for you.
Posted by: Melonie K. Murray | April 11, 2006 10:24 PM | Permalink to Comment