How can you prevent exercise addiction?

Answer 1

I am no expert, but some tricks and tips that may help are:

- Try not to have an overly "organized" exercise regime - try to get most of your exercise from enjoyable and social activities. Hiking/skiing/snowshoeing/skating/swimming with family for example. Gardening is also a great way to exercise without exercising, and you'll be beautifying your home, too!

- If you must engage in more regimented exercise activities such as aerobics or yoga classes, don't schedule too many, try to keep it to a couple of times a week.

- To avoid being too rigid with your exercise schedule, don't work out at the same time every day. One day, exercise in the morning, exercise in the evening another day, mid-day another day, etc.; that way you won't have to feel like you must be exercising at a certain time of day. This will allow you to learn flexibility in your schedule.

- There may be times when you must miss your workout or cut it short due to factors out of your control; to avoid feeling anxious when that happens, try to deliberately miss your workout or cut it short sometimes even when you don't have to. That way you will get used to the idea and not feel so bad when you have to do it.

- Don't ever let exercise become the most important thing in your life (unless, of course, it's how you earn your living!). Hold on to all the other hobbies, dreams, and goals you used to have, keep in touch with your friends, make sure you are spending enough time with your family.

Hopefully this helps.