RUNNER’S HIGH –
April 4, 2023 – There is abundant research on exercise addiction (EA), also called “exercise dependence,” in triathletes. One study of 1,285 triathletes found that 20% showed signs of EA, and that those who compete at longer distances are at greater risk. Both amateur and professional triathletes found the rate of EA to be between 20-30% overall, but 41% in the professional group.
We’ve all had that moment of questioning our relationship with exercise. I should get out there. I’ve got to make up for this session. I will be anxious for the rest of the day. I’ll have to adjust my nutrition. Maybe I should just suck it up and ride. While it might be easy for some to simply head back home, others will not tolerate the idea of skipping that workout. We’ll grit our teeth and hammer the ride, no matter what. But, it’s just because we want to, not because we have to…right?
Primary EA refers to a behavioral addiction to exercise that begins with the intention of improving performance, though it often turns into an obsessive need to train. Secondary EA refers to the compulsion to exercise associated with eating disorders with the main goal of burning calories and controlling weight.
Studies of endurance athletes demonstrate that both the high-volume training, as well as the very high dedication to the sport exhibited by most triathletes is more likely to result in dependence behaviors. This may be due to findings in emerging research that show that long hours of training may create a chemical dependency from the release of opioid-like neurotransmitters. That means that our mood may suffer without the influx of happy, calming neurochemicals until we’re able to exercise. Similarly, studies have shown that the goal-achievement associated with completing workouts and competing may cause an influx of dopamine that will also keep us coming back for more.
