next »

[Lady_J_2008]

Is it possible to become obsessed with exercising on this journey?  I have gone through phases of being motivated and very motivated and the occasional "whatever" but right now... I am thinking that I have become obsessed with exercising.  I find myself planning a second exercise session in the evenings and believe me, I am strickly an exercise in the morning or its not going to get done kinda gal.  I have two goals right now.  Hit my goal weight and survive the Hilly Hundred in October (I will be riding in this 2-day 100 mile ride for the first time in my life).  I think that it is good to have a goal because it keeps you motivated.  But I may be taking this too far. 

I have never been an exercise queen.  I would rather take a slow walk to the sofa to flip through the channels then break a sweat.  But lately, I seem to not be able to get enough and it is freaking me out.  And if I am not in a complete dripping sweat at the end of my session on the bike, then I am not satisfied and feel like it was a waste of time.  I intended to ride for about 30 mins this morning and by the time I was done... 90 mins had passed and I am thinking maybe I can slip in another hour tonight.  What in the heck is that about? 

Has anyone else encountered this phenomenon?   

[Indykitty]

I don't know, but I kind of wish I could catch it.  Really... not joking.

I usually just walk and I've done some stairs, taken a stab at some exercise videos, and like to ride my bike when the weather is good, but my DH becomes bike obsessive when the weather gets good and he's like you.  He has to go for miles and miles and really get a good workout or it's not worth it in his opinion.  I'll ask him to think about, but I've heard cross-addictions are common.  However, maybe it's just the excitement of trying to get ready for the Hilly Hundred and make goal.  I know I'm kind of spazzing on coming up on 18 months and still being so far from goal. 

[Lady_J_2008]

Do not be so hard on yourself.  You have done a wonderful job on your weight loss.  Think about how you felt before you lost 1 lb.  I know that I would have given anything to lose a little weight and now look at us.  It is easy to get stuck in that trap of I want to be at goal now but everyone's journey is different.  Everyone loses weight differently.  Just keep doing your thing and it will happen for you.  I hope it happens for me too. 

You may have a point about cross addiction.  I may be substituting exercise for food.  I guess that is not a bad thing but probably not the best thing in the long run. 

[Indykitty]

Thanks Lady_J.  Have a good weekend.   

[baka]

Research indicates that anywhere from 20-40 percent of weight-loss surgery patients are experiencing addiction transfer after having surgery and substituting food with:

Substance abuse

Alcoholism

Sex addiction

Gambling addiction

Compulsive shopping

Compulsive exercise

Smoking

Caffeine

As my surgeon told me at our first meeting...... "Ian I only operate your tummy it's up to you to work on the stuff between your ears":

Bankole Johnson, chairman of the University of Virginia's department of psychiatric medicine, says weight-loss surgery represents a physical solution to a problem caused by an underlying mental problem that isn't healed by the surgery: "It's like a thirst. If you're thirsty -- and there's no water -- you'll drink lemonade," Johnson says.

Kathryn Friedman Sloan, a mental health counselor in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, "The problem is that many people who have surgery haven't been in therapy to address the issues behind their eating disorder. Most of them are emotional eaters, and when you take that away, they're left with 'what do I do with my emotions?"  

Ian

[kristopia]

I'd say addiction to exercise is much better than other addictions - but I agree that you're probably excited about the Hilly Hundred you're preparing for.

Meanwhile, we are all addicts in one form or another.  Exercise releases endorphins, and some "feel good" hormones in the brain.  It's a rush.  A stage actor craves the applause - it releases dopamine in the brain and gives them a feeling of well-being. 

You'll know you have an addiction that needs to be dealt with if you are:  neglecting your other obligations and family for exercise (yeah, you need to take that time for yourself, but not to the neglect of others); risking injury due to high levels of muscle and joint stress.  If you're injuring yourself a lot, you're overdoing it.

[Lady_J_2008]

Thanks guys... I appreciate the feedback and give it more thought.  I have not hurt myself to date from exercise.  But I have to admit that I have riden twice a day for the past few days and I rode for 30 miles this morning after Mass. 

[HopenToBeThin]

I am just the opposite, have to make myself do it.  I need to catch your bug, but just long enough to get to goal.  Keep up the good work and take care of yourself while you are training. 

[MacMadame]

I realize this is an old thread but a pet peeve of mine when when people talk about anything we like to do a lot as an "addiction". There are lots of addicts in my family and, trust me, liking to shop or exercise and doing it more than the average person doesn't qualify. To be an addiction, it has to impact your life negatively and you have to be out of control. (As was said above).

Anyway, you sound to me like someone who has found a new hobby and is very enthusiastic right now. That's normal with a new hobby. Eventually, it's not so new and shiny any more and you can be a bit more balanced about it. But right now you are in the "I'm in love with exercise" phase and you will probably be an annoyance to your friends talking about it all the time and wanting to spend all your time with it, just like when you have a new boyfriend. 

P.S. If you think riding your bike for 30-90 min is a lot, you aren't hanging out with the right people. I'm going on a 4 hour bike ride tomorrow. And I'm not even close to being addicted - I work out less than almost anyone I know!