VIDEO: Recognizing When Exercise Becomes an Unhealthy Addiction
May 17, 2017
As beach season approaches, the need to achieve perfect "summer bodies" through hours of strenuous exercise becomes a personal expectation for many. But too much of a good thing can actually become an unhealthy obsession.
Tamara Morgan, assistant director for fitness and wellness at Old Dominion University, said it's important to recognize when your body is showing signs of overexertion.
"The recommended amount of exercise for an individual is 150 minutes per week of moderate to rigorous activity," she said. "When too much strain is put on your body, you may experience chest pains, dehydration, fatigue, dizziness and trouble breathing."
Exercise addiction is not officially classified as a mental health disorder, but those diagnosed can have similar signs and symptoms. Watch the video to learn more about this disorder and how to avoid it.
