Sometimes healthy exercising can turn you into a freak who cannot stop anymore and who is always unhappy with his body image; this healthy activity often turns into an unhealthy compulsion mostly for teenagers or athletes who are encouraged not to gain weight during the period of time when they should do so- from 13 to 17 years. This is the case of many teenagers nowadays… But is the present situation the one where too much of the good thing is necessary healthy?

We all know the benefits of exercising, and it seems that everywhere we turn we hear that we should exercise more. But the overemphasis on physical fitness or weight control may become serious problems unless they are looked after very carefully. However, there are benefits as well, such as the decrease in the risk of getting heart disease (as in UK the Coronary Heart Disease has increased in the past years significantly), lowering the number of obese people, reducing blood pressure or cholesterol level. Also when exercising there is a release of endorphin in the muscles- a chemical that naturally relieve pain and help you to control stress.

So how can something with so many profits have the potential to cause harm?

We all try to achieve having perfect bodies just like the ones mediatized in the magazines- young and thin for girls; strong and muscular for men. This may bring into your life long lasting damaging disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. The stage when you get this eating disorders is already very advanced… there being many other steps before that that may raise questions. The first stage when you may ask yourself if your lifestyle in terms of eating and exercising is good is when you start to become dependent on exercise. Exercise is good, but at the end of the day your body needs to rest as well otherwise harm such as fractures or muscle strains can occur.

Girls and guys who exercise compulsively may have a distorted body image and low self-esteem. Exercise and sports are supposed to be fun and keep you healthy. Working out in moderation will do both. So take a look at yourself and convince the inner you that you are the embodiment of perfection.