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Episode Summary

In this thought-provoking episode, Brodie Sharpe sits down with Dr. Heather Hausenblas to explore the concept of exercise addiction and its potential impact on runners. They discuss how to differentiate between a healthy commitment to exercise and addiction, the psychological and physical consequences of overtraining, and strategies to maintain balance. Packed with research insights and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for any recreational runner looking to train smarter, perform better, and reduce the risk of injury.

Guest Bio

Dr. Heather Hausenblas is a renowned expert in physical activity, health, and aging. Currently a faculty member at Jacksonville University's School of Applied Health Science, Heather has co-authored six books and published over 100 scientific papers. Her research focuses on the effects of exercise and diet on body image, mood, adherence, and quality of life. Over the past 25 years, she has extensively studied the continuum of exercise behaviour, from sedentary lifestyles to excessive exercise and addiction.

Key Topics Covered

• Understanding Exercise Addiction
  • How to identify the tipping point between healthy commitment and addiction.
  • The potential physical and psychological consequences of overtraining.
• Personality Traits & Risk Factors
  • Common personality traits associated with exercise addiction.
  • How social media, fitness devices, and external pressures contribute to unhealthy exercise habits.
• Recognizing the Signs
  • Self-reflective questions to assess your relationship with exercise.
  • How to spot signs of addiction in yourself or others, including withdrawal symptoms and life disruptions.
• Strategies for Balance
  • Reframing exercise goals for a healthier mindset.
  • The importance of professional counselling and seeking support.

Key Takeaways

1. Exercise addiction is rare but real. It affects 1-3% of regular exercisers and can lead to significant physical and mental health issues if left unchecked.
2. Balance is crucial. Signs of addiction include exercising through injuries, sacrificing personal or professional commitments, and an inability to take rest days.
3. Social media and fitness devices can be double-edged swords. While they can motivate, they may also perpetuate harmful behaviours.
4. Self-awareness is key. Regularly reflect on your habits and ask whether your exercise routines are enhancing or hindering your overall quality of life.
5. Seek professional help if needed. If you or someone you know struggles to balance exercise with other life priorities, a clinical mental health counsellor can provide support.

Resources Mentioned

• Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI): A brief, validated tool to assess risk for exercise addiction.
• Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS): A comprehensive self-report measure for identifying exercise addiction.

Actionable Next Steps

1. Reflect on your habits. Use the questions posed in this episode to assess whether your exercise routine is balanced.
2. Share this episode. Help raise awareness of exercise addiction among your running friends and community.
3. Explore the resources. Check out the EAI and EDS tools to better understand the risk factors.