The fine line between cycling enthusiasm and exercise addiction: when does passion become excessive?

What does it truly mean to become obsessed with cycling? CW delves into the world of exercise addiction, uncovering its harsh realities and the toll it can take on individuals.

 

Mark Bentley considered himself just another dedicated cyclist. For him, cycling was more than a pastime; it provided a profound sense of purpose. A solid training session left him feeling invigorated and fulfilled. However, there was a catch: his passion could easily take over his life. Balancing his training with his social commitments and his role as a business journalist in Frankfurt, Germany, often led to tension. During our phone conversation in early September, Bentley shared his gratitude for having a “very understanding” girlfriend, but he acknowledged that he often placed his training ahead of social gatherings and household responsibilities. “A few weeks back, there was a party that my girlfriend Su wanted to attend, but we skipped it because I had an early morning club ride the next day,” the 54-year-old recounted. “Su sometimes voices her frustration about my neglect of household tasks due to my cycling. When I was put on part-time hours during Covid, which cut my salary in half, she thought I should seek another job. But I thought, ‘Forget that, it just means more time to train.’” Unbeknownst to him, Bentley was displaying several signs of exercise addiction.

 

What is exercise addiction in cycling?

 

There isn't a precise definition for this type of addictive behavior, but it generally refers to a lack of control over exercise routines, leading to a reliance on physical activity that can have detrimental effects on health, social life, and career. Research indicates that cyclists, along with runners, are particularly susceptible to exercise addiction compared to athletes in other sports. For instance, a study involving Spanish club cyclists revealed that 17% of participants met the criteria for exercise addiction, a stark contrast to just 0.3-0.5% in the general population.

It's crucial for us as cyclists to recognize the risks associated with exercise addiction and to identify its warning signs. I spoke with psychotherapist Katherine Cullen (formerly Schreiber), co-author of "The Truth About Exercise Addiction," to understand why cyclists are especially vulnerable. “Not every cyclist is an exercise addict,” she explained, “but the prevalence is higher among cyclists than those engaged in team sports.” As I delved into this topic, I was unaware of the severe consequences that exercise addiction could entail, but I was about to learn just how devastating it can be. 

Cycling Dependency  

 

Let’s clarify one thing: enjoying cycling and striving to improve your fitness, strength, and speed doesn’t equate to addiction. Cycling offers a wealth of health benefits and is a fantastic way to spend your time. However, issues arise when a cyclist becomes overly reliant on riding, prioritizing it above all other responsibilities, which can lead to physical, mental, or social issues.  

Psychologist Iain Brown’s influential 1997 study outlines six stages of exercise addiction. The first stage is salience, where cycling becomes the focal point of a person's life. The second stage involves conflict with others, as relationships may suffer. The third stage is emotional regulation, where individuals use cycling to manage their feelings. The fourth stage is tolerance, requiring more exercise to achieve the same satisfaction. The fifth stage includes withdrawal symptoms when unable to cycle, and the final stage is a loss of control, characterized by secrecy and an inability to limit exercise time.  

Just as alcohol addiction varies from person to person, so does exercise addiction. Take Mark Bentley, for example, whose experience starkly contrasts with that of Rob Whittle, a dog trainer from Cheshire who logs around 5,000 miles annually. Whittle recounted a moment in January 2020 when he disregarded his wife’s warnings about cycling in icy conditions. “She called me a fool,” he remembered, “but I felt the need to ride outside after being stuck on the indoor trainer for weeks. After just 15 minutes, I crashed on black ice and instantly realized I had injured my wrist.” He felt he had no choice. “I had to finish the ride for my mental well-being – it was like a drug addict craving their next fix. The hospital later confirmed I had a broken wrist.”  

While Whittle may not be classified as an exercise addict, his actions during that incident displayed addictive tendencies. He felt an overwhelming urge to ride, which ultimately led to significant injury. He acknowledged that part of this compulsion stemmed from the data he tracked.

Isn't it true that professional athletes can seem addicted to exercise? 

 

Andy Kirkland acknowledges the challenge in differentiating between a pro's disciplined workout routine and someone struggling with exercise addiction. "I've worked with some athletes who check off many of the signs," he notes. However, while they might give off an impression of being exercise-obsessed, most professionals maintain a healthy control over their training regimens. Elite athletes typically possess a heightened awareness of their limits. They recognize that excessive training can lead to burnout and negatively impact their performance, which is crucial for their careers. Additionally, they often adjust their training plans, showcasing their ability to scale back when necessary. Since sports are their profession, these athletes strive for a balanced lifestyle, ensuring they allocate time for other activities. They realize that an all-consuming focus on sports could be harmful. Furthermore, they incorporate rest and recovery into their training schedules. A key distinction is that professionals have coaches and medical professionals monitoring their well-being. "As a coach, I've occasionally suggested they enjoy a drink with friends," Kirkland shares. "If they're increasing their training intensity but not seeing performance gains and are feeling worn out, it raises concerns. A coach must recognize the limits; it's not just about pushing them harder all the time."