Here's why this idea or phrase bugs me. The word addiction connotes something negative or harmful. In fact, the definition of the word Addiction in the dictionary states
'the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma'
Go ahead and read that definition again.
Why would anyone think that being addicted to exercise is a good thing somehow?
I'm 100% for regular exercise, and I'm 100% sure that when we make exercise part of our daily routines, we feel good. But, addiction? No.
This is simply another unhealthy way of looking at things that are healthy and that make us feel good. How about we take that word out of the vernacular when speaking about healthy life choices, and instead we simply do what makes us feel good without the need to put any labels on it.
I enjoy exercise a lot and yes, I notice when I go too long without a good workout but it certainly does not cause me trauma. And I am by no means enslaved to it.
Please do not get sucked into things like this. The other thing about it that irks me is that people are loosely using a word that is in fact a serious struggle for many, many people. If you have never truly known the effects of addiction, than saying you are addicted to exercise is insulting and insensitive. The least you could do is know the meaning of the words that you use, and choose your words more wisely.
Here are a few different words and phrases that could be used instead. 'Exercise incites me to exercise more'. 'I'm impelled to exercise regularly because it makes me feel so great'. 'Exercise influences and inspires me to press ever onward'. 'Exercise is my driving force'. None of these make me cringe.
If you are truly addicted to exercise, I urge you to please seek out help. Because addiction is not a positive thing. Exercise should illicit positive, healthy life choices and habits that only make us better, stronger human beings. Leave it at that.
Movement. Mindset. Mastery
Yes! Great article, Siriji! I've known many a folk with actual addiction, and I really dislike how the word can be used so casually sometimes. Addiction kills and is a very serious issue in this country. I don't believe anyone can be "addicted" to exercise, but if someone has a serious case of undiagnosed OCD etc. they may take it to the extreme. If anything a person does is affecting their relationships, health, job or finances they may have a problem. Not necessarily "addiction", but perhaps some other underlining issue like an eating disorder or other mental illness. There is nothing wrong with exercising everyday if it's done right! We've been pretty good about keeping our 3 days a week cardio routine going for a while now. Maybe we will push it to four days a week soon! Cheers from the Davilas!
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