Table 1 Working definition of compulsive exercise

Compulsive exercise

A. Compulsive exercise as defined by (1) and (2):

1) Repetitive exercise that the person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly

2) The exercise is aimed at preventing or reducing distress or at preventing some dreaded event or situation; however the compulsive exercise is clearly excessive

B. At some point during the course of the disorder the person has recognized that the compulsive exercising is excessive or unreasonable

C. The compulsive exercise causes marked distress, is time-consuming (takes more than one hour a day), significantly interferes with the person’s normal routine, occupational functioning, usual social activities or relationships or is continued despite medical injury or illness

Criteria A. + C. are considered obligatory, whereas criterion B. is optional