Ch.

21 Summary – Addictive & Unhealthy Behavior – Ryan Collins

Our text tells us you can have positive addictions in contrast to the negative connotation the term generally

caries. By the definition provided, an addiction is characterized by withdrawal symptoms after 2-3 days of not

partaking in the activity. It is different if you cannot do the activity such as exercise vs. choosing to take a day or

two off. We can be positively addicted to exercise, but it seems terms generally used to describe this beneficial

relationship are more along the lines of good habits or routines. We seem to use the term addiction much more when

the activity starts affecting and eliminating other choices or aspects of our lives such as home life, work, and

relationships.

I believe even if something has positive benefits such as exercising, or being passionate and having an

strong work ethic towards a career or passion, we must be able to find balance in our schedules and routines so this

one activity doesn’t completely control and end up neglecting other areas. Our priorities and commitments change

over time. For example, a football coach (or any coach) would most likely me their busiest during the fall season

and would have to learn to balance how much time they must spend with their team, and how much time still must

be spent with family and on other personal commitments such as their own regular exercising or religious practice.

Once their seasons over, the offseason and surrounding time would most likely require less time to be spent on

coaching aspects and would allow them to spend more time and effort on their own exercise or passions and

hobbies.

Unhealthy athlete behaviors such as eating disorders and substance abuse can be very prevalent, especially

as coaching more at the high school and college age level, compared to youth. I believe especially females are at risk

for eating disorders and unhealthy behaviors as many are victims to peer pressure and guilt from peers and coaches

too to be at a desired weight or physique. Wrestlers are also an at-risk area I believe due to their weight classes and

“cutting” habits. While nutrition is a critical aspect of training and often under looked, we must educate and instruct

on how to properly achieve the desired results. I’m really looking forward to the future nutrition class we’ll take for

this masters, but from my own research and studies, generally it seems females (or others too) eat way less than they

need to especially during demanding training times to stay thing. Most every certified dietician I’ve read from has

said and shown that eating more (and particularly more nutrient dense food) is the key to achieving desired results.

As work increases, we must obviously eat more to supply to demands we’re putting on our body, but if we feed it

the right things, increasing calorie and volume intake decreases overall BMI and fat while helping achieve the
Ch.21 Summary – Addictive & Unhealthy Behavior – Ryan Collins

“desired physique”. With most everything we’ve discussed this semester, I believe it’s easier and better to be

proactive in educating our people on these critical topics that likely will affect someone on our team every year.