Do you think there is a link between having an (to whatever degree) addictive personality and viewing going to the gym or working out as a habit, something one must do? I hear of people who, after doing it for a couple of months, HAVE to go to the gym. I am just not one of those people. I have to set 10 week goals and switch up my workout every two months to keep my motivation. I have a friend who does have an addictive personality tell me that all she needs to do is start working out and within a couple of months she will be compelled to go to the gym regularily. So, I am curious if anyone else has any thoughts on this?

No.

I see people who do substitute their addiction to food for exercise, but they are not the ones going to the gym 4-5 days a week for 45 min. They are going for HOURS and *every day*.

Your body craves what it's used to. So if you exercise and then you don't, your body tries to get you back to exercise. But that's not an addiction IMO. An addiction is when you used an activity or substance to deal with your emotions to the point where it negatively impacts your life and you aren't in control any more.

I am committed to it and I love it, but not addicted. I spend about an hour, maybe an hour and a half on long run days, most days. That's it.

The only reason I feel anxious if I miss a few days is becuase I dont want to get out of the habit. The more days you miss, the harder it is to get back into it, I've worked really hard and dont want to lose fitness etc etc. Not becuase I *need* it for any other reason than it makes me feel healthy.

Good to know, there is hope for me yet!