Workaholics Anonymous

Four years ago, 21-year-old student Sameer Chandok was another gym junkie. He’d pack in two hours of rugby every morning and then head to his gym right after classes. ‘‘I used to work out for two hours and more. The more I did it, the more I wanted,’’ he says. At one stage, for six to seven months, he didn’t even socialise. ‘‘I was working out.’’

Trainers say they are spotting an increasing number of exercisers who can’t do without a daily hit. Kaizzad Capadia, director of K11 Fitness Management, with 13 gyms across Mumbai, says that more than the health-promoting benefits of exercise, gym junkies are there because of the temporary feel-good factor of a workout.

The depression-alleviating effects of exercise are caused by the release of biochemicals called endorphins, a phenomenon known as Runner’s High. ‘‘And it’s as bad an addiction as any other,’’ says Capadia. ‘‘I’ve seen gym rats who spend their whole day in the gym, even if they are unwell.’’ Worse, many of them don’t even know they have a problem.

Rustom Warden is one exercise buff who readily admits he’s addicted. The 25-year-old, who runs a gym in south Mumbai, has been exercising since he was 17 and doesn’t see a reason why he should miss a workout. ‘‘But I listen to my body. I’ll skip a day if I have a cold because working out when you are sick can be harmful,’’ he says.

‘‘This gym addiction is quite a bit of a problem,’’ admits celeb trainer Vrinda Mehta. Her estimate? One in every 10 exercisers will succumb to the obsession. “But an hour or an hour and a half of moderate intensity exercise is all one needs,’’ she says. Any more than that and you’re exposing yourself to depression, a drop in immunity and energy levels, and increased anxiety.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Darius Soonawalla has dealt with damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments from over exercising. ‘‘Multiple small injuries can result in stress fractures,’’ he says. Physician Dr CV Kothari also warns those suffering from any heart, lung or kidney ailments. ‘‘These problems could get exacerbated. Besides, fatigue and acid formation in the muscles causes pain.”

Hardly a deterrent for those who get their kicks from a punishing workout.