Rachel, head cheerleader, and her team practiced three to five times a week.
They worked hard to keep their weight down so they could be lifted into the air
during games. Always battling to keep those pounds off, Rachel began to add
extra workouts before and after practice. Even though the team drills left her
exhausted, Rachel felt she couldn't control her weight without extra workouts
every day. Soon, her body was worn out and she couldn't even make it through a
regular team practice.
You may think you can't get too much of a good thing, but in the case of
exercise, sometimes a healthy activity can turn into an unhealthy compulsion.
Rachel is a good example of how an overemphasis on physical fitness or weight
control can become unhealthy. Read on to find out more about compulsive exercise
and its effects.
Too Much of a Good
Thing?
We all know the benefits of
exercise, and it seems that everywhere we turn, we hear that we should
exercise more. Studies report that high-school gym classes are being reduced and
teens are finding it easier than ever to avoid exercising. Sitting in front of
the TV or computer has become a way of life for many teens.
Exercise can do many things for your body and soul: it can strengthen your
heart and muscles, lower your body fat, and reduce your risk of many diseases.
Many teens who play sports have higher self-esteem than
their less active pals.
Exercise is a refreshing stress-buster and can
help keep the blues at bay with an endorphin rush. Endorphins are
naturally produced chemicals that affect your sensory perception. These
chemicals are released in your body during and after a workout and they go a
long way in helping to control stress. So how can something with so many
benefits have the potential to be harmful to you?
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