Exercise can be a great way to stay in shape, release stress and fight off disease. However, when and if an individual begins to work out incessantly, especially when they are not overweight, this can quickly become a problem. Often time exercise addicts are persons that the world sees as fit. However, for one reason or another, these individuals don't see themselves that way and thus, exercise far more then what is necessary or even healthy in some cases.
    
What is An Exercise Addiction: Persons with an exercise addiction will often work out for hours. Their days and schedule will revolve around exercising. Such individuals may have been overweight in the past or maybe not. Some may simply be obsessed with their body and are terrified to gain weight. When a person has an addiction, they work out significantly more then they need to and is reasonable.

Signs of An Exercise Addiction: The tell-tail signs of someone with an exercise addiction will include he or she being consumed with thoughts of exercise and preventing weight gain. These individuals will work out as much as they can and might fit exercise into their routine multiple times a day. They will exercise far more then is recommended by exercise and fitness professionals.

Causes of An Exercise Addiction: A person may develop an exercise addiction because they have poor body image. Whether or not they are actually overweight really doesn't make a difference to the addict. The only thing that matters is their perception. Many exercise addicts are very fit and may not have been considered overweight to begin with by others, though some may have been.

There are exercise addicts who were overweight and in an effort to become thin, go overboard and become obsessive with becoming thin. These people may have been teased or just hate the way that their bodies look. Many addicts will suffer from eating disorders as well.

Effects of An Exercise Addiction: A person can exercise so much that they lose too much weight. Being too thin can be extremely unhealthy as well and carries its' own health risks. Individuals may lose so much weight that they stop menstruating. Death can even occur in extreme cases. There are also psychological and social effects.

Individuals may be tired all of the time or irritable because of their fitness routines and because they are always consumed with thoughts of exercise. They may not have time for family and friends because they are exercising so much. This can weaken relationships and ties with family and loved ones.

Complications: An exercise addict may experience exercise related injuries. These may include shin splits, sprains and pulls. If a person exercises too many hours a day and does not eat enough calories, they might also become undernourished and develop related health problems.  They might also isolate themselves socially.

Rehab and Recovery: Counseling to help determine the root cause of the addiction can be helpful in ones recovery. A good counselor with experience in treating this condition can be quite effective in reaching the addict. A person's own spirituality may also prove to be a conduit to lasting change.