Fitness Obsession Leads to Anxiety, Sleep Deprivation, Runner Says
A Welsh runner describes how his dedication to fitness became an addiction, impacting his mental and physical health.
Wayne Davies, a runner from Newtown in Powys, Wales, has shared his experience of developing a fitness addiction that led to significant anxiety and sleep deprivation. Davies explained that his casual jogging evolved into an obsession with marathons and ultra-distance races, focusing intensely on performance data and time goals. This fixation left him perpetually dissatisfied and worried about not achieving the next benchmark.
His struggle intensified after a heart scare during a training run, which resulted in a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Although he returned to running post-treatment, the constant fear of recurrence pushed his dedication into obsessive territory. Davies noted that he was unaware of the concept of fitness addiction until he began discussing his issues, acknowledging that he felt judged for his intense focus.
Encouraged by friends and family, Davies sought help through his GP, who referred him to the charity Ponthafren. He then enrolled in the NHS Wales SilverCloud Space from Anxiety program, a 12-week course designed to help manage thoughts and release anxieties. He stated that he now uses his running watch more as a guideline and less as a tool for obsession, prioritizing how he feels on the day of a run.
"A lot of men think talking about how they feel is a sign of weakness, and I admit I did feel a bit ashamed at first," Davies said. "But taking that first step was probably the best thing I ever did."
Zaheen Ahmed, head of therapy at UK Addiction Treatment Centre, reported an increase in cases of fitness addiction, with over 57,000 people seeking help for exercise addiction in the past six months. She suggested that this can arise when individuals in recovery from substance addiction cross-addict into fitness, making it their primary problem. Ahmed also pointed to fitness apps and the competitive element they introduce as potential contributors to compulsive behavior.
Dafydd Judd, a personal trainer in Cardiff, echoed concerns about the impact of technology, noting that calorie-counting apps can become addictive. He advised people to be cautious of online fitness records, as some individuals may falsify data. Judd described social media as a "double-edged sword," capable of promoting healthy competition but also creating pressure.
Fionnelolaan Clayton, project manager of NHS Wales' Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Service, expressed gratitude for Davies' willingness to share his story. She emphasized that while exercise offers mental health benefits, excessive amounts can negatively impact both mental and physical well-being. Clayton underscored the importance of seeking support when a routine begins to dominate other aspects of life, highlighting that accessible mental health resources are crucial.