Exercise Addiction?

I love how I feel after I leave the gym. If I had the time I would probably go twice a day!

You sound like you've got your head on straight, but I think that we all need to be careful to check ourselves and make sure that we're not obsessing. I'd say ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you feel bad about yourself when you miss a workout (every now and then, we all want to sit on the couch/go eat with friends/go shopping/etc.)?

2. Do you have a below-healthy BMI?

3. Are you eating less than 1,500 cals (an estimate, but you have to need at least this given how much cardio you're doing)?

If all those questions are no, I'd say continue on. Just make sure to take time to indulge, relax, and treat yourself to something other than exercise. As good as it is, everything is better in moderation.

I don't see why people always have to be so negative! It frustrates me! If you get close to goal weight, then you have to listen to people tell you that you're going to be anorexic. I'm sorry people, but please just realize how hard it is to stay motivated and focused, and STOP with the negativity! I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with exercising as much as you do, so long as you keep eating most of your calories back. Enjoy life, and push aside the negative thoughts. Be happy and healthy!!!! In the end, you are doing it for you, and you're the only one who you are really trying to please!

I think that sometimes when people see you making smart, healthy choices it makes them feel a bit guilty about their own bad habits. They may direct that guilt at you, putting you down for being "too skinny," eating "rabbit food," or what have you. It can be difficult because it feels like you just can't win - when you're heavy, people criticize that, then when you lose weight, they still make negative comments. You just have to let that roll off your back and keep on working hard.

HOWEVER. It is also possible that you are overdoing it. I don't know you, so I can't say. It is possible to over-exercise, and you can even become somewhat "addicted" to that burst of endorphins you get from a good workout. You should consider where your parents are coming from and take a hard look at yourself. Are they just critical in general, or are they truly concerned for your well being? (Again, I don't know you or your parents personally so I can't say.)

It might not hurt to run this up the flagpole with your doctor. He/she may be able to help you figure out what a reasonable amount of exercise is. Other than that, have a look at Rjperron's comment, ask yourself those questions, and answer honestly. It's good to have a healthy mindset and work towards being physically fit, but you have to be careful not to replace unhealthy eating habits with unhealthy/obsessive exercise habits.

If you aren't relishing in crazy unhealthy behavior, like giving yourself high fives for losing 5 pounds when you're already in the low range for BMI or something, and you're healthy enough to keep up then all you're doing is enjoying the full range of your body. Would you be able to slow it down if an emergency came up or if you were injured/sick and not stress it too much if the temporary sedentary lifestyle made you gain a few pounds? It's not really an addiction if you can handle life (which means setbacks at times) without losing it.

If you do exercise for fun, and because you like it, there's no problem. It becomes a problem if a) you are overdoing it and damaging your health or b) you are avoiding other of life's responsibilities by exercising when you should be doing other things. I would be furious if my husband was exercising every evening instead of spending time with his children when I have been looking after them all day.

You sound fine. I work out with my four year old daughter. Sure, she can't do the workouts all the way through and doesn't always do stuff correctly, but she LOVES it and it's an incredible bonding time for us. I say go for it.