Joggers who hit the streets to run away from their problems run the risk of becoming addicted to exercise.
About one in four casual runners show signs of addiction – instead giving up time with loved ones to run and developing withdrawal symptoms when they can’t run.
Now a study shows what kind of people may be most at risk.
About one in four casual runners show signs of addiction – giving up time with loved ones to run instead and developing withdrawal symptoms when they can’t run
The study, which included 227 recreational runners, found the strongest association with exercise addiction for those who used running to block negative thoughts.
People who used running to improve their lives were less likely to become addicted to running.
Both types of people saw running as escapism, but researchers emphasize that attitude is important.
Dr Frode Stenseng, who led the study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, said: ‘People who have no choice but to run to get away from their problems will find that it is bad for them.
“They have less control over their running when they use it as a coping strategy, so they can become addicted and even feel ashamed and depressed after running.”
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, surveyed runners about their well-being, symptoms of exercise addiction and escape attitudes towards jogging.
Participants who ran two to fifteen hours a week had poorer luck when running to escape their problems.
The questionnaire given to the participants assessed their attitudes towards running based on how strongly they agreed with 11 statements about how they feel when they run.
Those who were more likely to agree with statements such as “I want to escape from myself” and “I block out the difficult things I don’t want to think about” used running as a negative escape.
Those who used running as a positive escape were more likely to agree with phrases such as “I am full of positive energy that carries over into other areas of my life.”
Both attitudes were linked to some extent with exercise addiction, but people who used running as a negative escape showed stronger signs of an unhealthy obsession with running.
This was assessed based on agreement with statements such as “I cannot reduce the duration of exercise” and “I would rather exercise than spend time with family or friends”.
Dr Stenseng said: “These results can give people insight into their own motivation when they start running.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
