The Dangerous Downside Of Being Addicted To Exercise

Illustrated by Emily Turner.Exercise has always been an outlet for me. Whether heading to yoga after a long day at the office, or jogging outdoors to unplug from my hyper-connected life, physical activity has always been my go-to method of winding down and re-centering. But, while the benefits of exercise — staying in shape, de-stressing — are preached by many scientists and health professionals, it’s a “prescription” that can be easily abused. Which is exactly what happened to me.



It started at a young age, when countless coaches taught me the well-known phrase: “walk it off.” Twisted ankle during dance rehearsal? No biggie. Swollen knees from stumbling on a fast break? Worse things have happened. While it seemed like I was simply listening to my leaders, working through the pain was actually my first taste of wanting control — and thinking I had it. I quickly got addicted to the feeling of pushing my body beyond its limits, and it became an emotional outlet.



Whenever I was mad or upset, I knew I could take it out on the basketball court by stealing the ball whenever I had a chance and fouling just a tad too hard. When I was sad, it was the same. Whether I was dancing, running, or playing sports, being active took my mind to a different place. No matter the issue, I went home after workouts feeling like the sweat had washed my problems away.



Of course, these emotional gains came at a physical price, which I brushed off. Bruises, aches, and pains were temporary, I thought. But I was wrong. The upside? I learned a hell of a lot about self-care in the process, and am finally treating my body the ways it needs, and deserves.



RELATED: This Fitness Pro Gained Weight, And Liked It



Overwhelmed

A year ago, I found myself in a tough place: My relationship was on the rocks, I was applying for a new job while trying to complete a project for my current employer that I wasn’t equipped to handle, and family life was tumultuous. And, in a true testament to the adage “when it rains, it pours,” it was all happening at once.



Though I don’t often let life get me too down, I was feeling beaten and emotionally exhausted. And, on top of that, I didn’t feel like I had anyone to talk to. This isn't to say I wasn’t surrounded by incredible friends — I was — it was more that being open has never been a skill of mine. Instead of confronting my issues head on, I turned to the one thing I knew would make me feel better, and the one thing I thought I could control: exercise.

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