The Effect of Too Much or Too Little

Summary of Mental Health America's Article The Risks Of Exercise: Too Little And Too Much May Affect Psychological Health.

It is well-known that exercise and fitness have a multitude of physical and mental health benefits. Even though this information is wide spread, 80% of all Americans still do not get enough exercise to receive the benefits. This can be caused by lack of motivation that can stem from a mental illness such as depression or just losing interest in the act of exercise.

Potential effects of not getting enough exercise:

• weight-gain

• cardiovascular disease

Although adequate amount of exercise can be beneficial to both the body and the mind, you can workout "too much." In this case, it is called exercise addiction and usually goes unnoticed. This affects about 3% of the population.

Since this addiction is similar to compulsive behaviors, it causes sufferers to have mood-enhancing effects such as reducing anger, depression, and boredom. This is usually seen as dedication and validated from peers and coaches, but is as very real as any other addiction.

What exercise addiction looks like:

• exercises an unreasonable amount

• exercises through chronic and debilitating injuries/illnesses

• needing more and more exercise for the mood-altering effects

• not taking rest days

• workout schedule begins to have negative consequences on relationships and work responsibilities

People with an exercise addiction usually have a second or third addiction such as nicotine, drugs, sex, or work. (about 25%) Some addictions that are closely associated are caffeine, shopping and eating disorders.

Neal, T. (2017, May 12). The risks of exercise: Too little and too much may affect psychological health. Mental Health America. Retrieved January 24, 2022, from https://mhanational.org/blog/risks-exercise-too-little-and-too-much-may-affect-psychological-health