Do I work out at an obsessive level?

Question

Im 16, been training for about 9 months (weightlifting). I train 5 times a week, and have never missed a workout or tried to avaoid one, even if I feel like absolute crap. When I get the fear that Im going to miss a workout i.e. lesson ending late etc, I become very frustrated, often smash something, shout etc etc etc. Even when I miss a meal I get very very p@@@@d off. During lessons and that, I find it very difficult to concentrate as Im constantly thinking about workout it. Anyone else have a similar problem? Is this even a problem, or very good determination and discipline? Or is it even a form of OCD?

Thanks for your help,

Im not on steriods, just the occasional protein shake. I get very, very pumped up for training, and during traning like 'roar' and get hyped up etc, the same before a big meal. Thanks for all good advice so far

And yes I do enjoy training, the harder, the better!

Answer 1

It sure sounds like an addiction.Maybe you should talk to someone !

Take care !!

Answer 2

It sounds like you're addicted to exercise. An addiction to any activity becomes a problem if it interferes with the general functioning of your life. You are having trouble concentrating on your lessons, and you are getting violent. This means the exercise is becoming a problem. It doesn't mean you have to give up exercise.

An addiction is normally a coverup for underlying issues. Part of dealing with an addiction is also dealing with the issues which are fuelling it. Failing to tackle the underlying causes might cause you to change your addiction e.g. a smoker who takes up drinking.

You will benefit from talking to a psychologist.

One thing which will make you think, fill out the following to yourself:

"If I miss an exercise session, it is a problem because ......"

Answer 3

No you dont, but i would not worry becoz i reckon it is just a phase your going through. I used to be just like you from the age of 19-27, and i am now 32yrs and have not been to the gym ¨properly for about 5yrs..I would love to have same hunger for training as you have at the mo, but my personal circumstances have changed considerably.
My advice to you would be that it is not the end of the world if you miss a meal or a session and that it wont affect your body as you think it will. Try not to let your hobby become an obsession. Find something else to occupy your mind, maybe a girlfriend or something and hey that would be one hell of a way to burn fat and get your cardio done at the same time.

Answer 4

It sounds very much like an addictive obsessive pattern in relation to your need to excercise. It could be a physical addiction due to release of endorphins - which is a very addictive substance - or a behavioural addiction in relation to reliance on the ritual/ pattern associated with working out.

I think you are very wise to spot the connection with OCD. I think the fact that you have flagged up this question means that you need to spend a bit of time looking into addictive behavioural patterns and methods that you could use to try and deal with it a bit better.

Have you spoken to your GP? If you have a good noe, they will take this seriously. Especially if you are wanting to smash things - thats a real sign of you using the 'work out = feel good' factor NOT to deal with something as well as you could be doing. It would be good if you could persuade your GP to refer you to a counsellor who has experience of cognitive behavioural therapy.

You know - people who develop addictions tend not to be lazy. Some people might read this and thing 'for goodness sake - get a grip on yourself!' but in all honesty, the problem sounds like it could be you have TOO much willpower and you need to look into a new way of acting on this problem that is developing.l

Have you looked at 12 step programmes? A good one for compulsive exercising is http://www.r-a.org/i-obsessive-exercise.htm

Don't just give up exercising - just challenge yourself to take it down a peg or two. Be kind to yourself - and be gentle with yourself. You are trying to prove something through all of this and I am sure that you are a lovely person - you sound like it!

Good luck and good for you for raising this important question!

Answer 5

sounds like you're a bit full of yourself.

It also sounds like you're due, if what you say is true, for a sudden stop in your growth (if there has been any).

Your muscles don't grow when you're in the gym. They grow on your off days, which you don't have any of.

If you're doing a real workout, you're overtraining by doing it every day. Take at LEAST a day off between on days and alternate body parts in a complimentary way FOR EXAMPLE

Monday: Back and Biceps
Tuesday: Off
Wed: Chest and Triceps
Thur: Off
Friday: Legs and Shoulders

etc

Answer 6

that is exessive mate, the most important thing you need to realise is that your body as a 16 year old is not fully developed and doesn't stop changing till about 21,

so your hormones esp testosterone are going haywire trying to keep up with your training - leading to your excessive moods swings.

i trained when i was your age in the gym but not as much, and i have strech marks under my arms from the speed that i put muscle on.

take your time mate, plenty of years to get buffer yet!

Answer 7

You do have a problem. Anytime ANYTHING makes you so mad that you yell, scream and smash things.....that is a problem. I have to ask....are you on steroids? Because that would cause the rage you seem to have. If so, get off of them....now.

If not, then you need to see a therapist. You have an addiction to working out.

Answer 8

It sounds like you've got quite a problem going on there.

Do you actually enjoy working out?...It sounds like your addiction is having a very negative effect on your life...it's certainly way beyond normal obsessional patterns of behaviour.

If you don't actually get any benefit or reward from working out like this,it's just ruining your daily life.

Answer 9

At ur age beleive me,,nothing is too much,, but i must say u should devide ur workouts into two types essentially.
1)YOGA
2)NON-YOGA,,{AEROBIC N ANAROBIC}

Answer 10

Stop taking steroids.