Several years ago I had the opportunity to teach group fitness at Gold's Gym, which was an eye-opening experience for many reasons.  One of the reasons was a girl I'll call "Jane."

Jane was teeny tiny, and she worked hard for that teeny tiny body.  Each week, I would arrive at Gold's and see Jane pounding it on the elliptical machine.  She would wait for my class to get through the warm up and would sneak in the back for the high intensity songs.  If there was any break in between my music, Jane would perform her own rapid-fire workouts for the 2-3 seconds of silence: jumping jacks, pushups, high knees (by herself in the midst of the group, I might add.)  Jane would also hop back on the elliptical machine during any low intensity songs and would leave class for more elliptical training after class was over.

I have no idea how many hours Jane spent at the gym each day, but I do know that she worshiped her workout -- and it became an addiction.

It sounds strange to be addicted to something that is good for you, but it happens. The fitness industry is filled with unhealthy addictions disguised as "discipline" and WORKOUT WORSHIP is a real thing.  And honestly, this level of addiction/worship/obsession starts very innocently, as many addictions do.  EXPERIENCE leads to ENJOYMENT which leads to EXCITEMENT....which leads to the desire for more of the experience.  Most of us can balance this desire and excitement in a way that builds healthy habits and disciplines, but sometimes these habits and disciplines can get a little cattywampus (is that a word?).

In the case of Jane, she looked healthy, fit and fabulous on the surface.  Perhaps she looked a little overzealous, but most would admire her physique and understand her commitment to exercise.  An honest conversation and a heart check was needed in order to fully assess what might be happening below the surface.

What about you?  Do you suffer from "workout worship"?  Read below and find out.

"Workout worship" can be characterized by the following:

• missing social obligations to exercise
• strained or broken relationships as a result of your commitment to exercise
• feeling irritated, anxious or depressed when you miss a workout
• working out while sick or injured
• no other activities bring satisfaction or contentment (reading a book, gardening, etc.)
• "making up" for missed workouts or food consumed by increasing workout activity
• family history of anxiety or depression

(List paraphrased from Sharon Stoliaroff, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Chevy Chase)

If you identified with 3 or more of these descriptions, it might be time to re-evaluate the "why" behind your workout.

We want people to experience and enjoy the excitement of fitness...but we also want to create a healthy attitude towards working out.   Creating a culture of "acceptance" is one the values we maintain and cultivate in our REFIT® community.  We accept that women will miss a workout.  We accept that women may choose to skip class.  We accept that women will enjoy good food.  We accept that women are busy.  We accept that weight loss is a journey.  Not only do we accept these things:  we LOVE them.  Replace the word "accept" with the word "love" in any of the above statements -- and that's the heart of REFIT.

REFIT® Tip:  plan your workouts this week and make it a goal to complete them.  Set a realistic goal of 3 times/week or 30 minutes a day, but once you've reached your goal....it's time to enjoy life outside your workout!