Special Cases of Exercise and Psychological Well–Being “The Runner’s High” The runner’s high is a euphoric sensation, usually unexpected, of heightened well-being, an enhanced appreciation of nature and transcendence of time and space.

“Addiction” to Exercise Psychological and/or physical dependence on a regular regime of exercise, characterized by withdrawal symptoms after 24 to 36 hours pass without exercise. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, irritability, guilt, and muscle twitching. What is exercise addiction?

Types of Exercise Addiction Healthy habit Positive addiction Exercise controls one’s life (A small percentage of people have a negative addiction.) Negative addiction

Symptoms of Negative Addiction to Exercise Stereotyped pattern of exercise, with a regular schedule of once or more daily. 1. Giving exercise increasing priority over other activities to maintain the pattern. 2. Increased tolerance to the amount of exercise performed. 3. Withdrawal symptoms related to depression or anxiety following stoppage of exercise. 4. (continued)

Symptoms of Negative Addiction to Exercise Relief of withdrawal symptoms by further exercise. 5. Subjective awareness of a compulsion to exercise. 6. Rapid reinstatement of the previous pattern of exercise and withdrawal symptoms after a period of abstinence. 7.

Strategies for Guarding Against Negative Addiction to Exercise Schedule rest days or take them when necessary. Work out regularly with a slower partner. (continued) Use year-long schedules with built-in down times. If you’re injured, stop exercising until you are rehabilitated and healed.

Strategies for Guarding Against Negative Addiction to Exercise Train hard and easy: Mix in days of low intensity and less distance with days of harder training. If you’re interested in health benefits, exercise 3 or 4 times a week for 30 minutes. Set realistic short- and long-term goals.