Kate Nicholls

Despite numerous benefits of regular exercise, research has demonstrated some people develop problematic exercise behaviour, with ongoing debates regarding the definition. This study defined three approaches: a traditional medical model including for example withdrawal symptoms; a subjective approach whereby individuals identify their own problematic exercise; and an objective perspective involving persistent exercise despite negative consequences. This cross-sectional study assessed the association between these three approaches in UK-based frequent exercisers (n = 139) alongside correlations with learning, cognitive and emotional biases (reward vs punishment sensitivity, delay discounting and sensation seeking). The results indicate these three approaches to problematic exercise are related but different. Further, medical problematic exercise was associated with heightened sensitivity to reward and punishment; subjective problematic exercise was only associated with heightened punishment sensitivity; objective problematic exercise was associated with reduced punishment sensitivity. This novel classification approach to problematic exercise may help clarify the factors that initiate and perpetuate this behaviour.

Whilst a substantial body of evidence supports the benefits of exercise for physical and mental health, the overfocus on the benefits of exercise could result in harmful behaviours in some individuals. Conceptualised as a behavioural addiction, research often dichotomises the behaviour through a medical diagnostic model. The present qualitative study explored the meaning of problematic behaviour from the exerciser's perspective. Nineteen UK-based frequent exercisers were interviewed regarding their experiences. Thematic analysis described three themes: 'relentlessly pushing the limits' of their personal best and comparing to others; 'an enabling community' which could promote problematic behaviours; and 'the complexity of the ideal body' focussing on perceptions of weight maintenance. Transcending these themes was the notion of 'rationalising choices'. The results indicate that participants felt that the benefits outweighed the costs, encouraging them to continue, even when causing harm. These findings support the notion of problematic exercise as a continuum, rather than dichotomous.