Some posts I’ve written over the years have clearly resonated with readers more than others. I never quite know which pieces will connect most, but the common thread is that those posts come from the heart. When I wrote a letter to the woman addicted to working out, I was writing to myself and sharing what I needed to hear then. When I stopped exercising for a month and wrote about it, I was proving to myself that taking a break from workouts was completely okay. I think many of the posts that linger with you are the ones where I share my own struggles — especially those around exercise addiction.
To be transparent, it’s only in the last one or two years that I’ve felt I truly have a healthy relationship with exercise. I was an active child, but “gym culture” didn’t shape me early on. In college, when life felt chaotic and out of control, I developed a regular exercise habit that initially felt like relief. Exercise can be a powerful tool for mental health, but I learned over time that it shouldn’t be the only one. Eventually I recognized that exercise had become a controlling force in my life, and my body needed rest. A few years ago I started to loosen those chains and learn to move more intuitively.
That process involved cancelling a gym membership and ClassPass, avoiding a strict schedule, and letting my body decide what felt right each day. I mostly walked and practised yoga, and for a while that felt very healing. After some months I began to feel lethargic and irritable, so I knew a change was needed. Over time I realized exercise can be one helpful tool among many for supporting mental health — and it doesn’t have to be about molding your body to fit unrealistic, fat-phobic cultural standards. Accepting that was difficult when you have a history of exercise addiction.
I’ll write more about the other changes I’ve made to support my mental health in a separate post, but one of the biggest shifts this year has been intentionally adding more movement back into my routine. A few times a week — without following a strict plan — I’ve been doing Barre and strength classes at my co-working space. The difference has been significant: more energy, steadier moods, and better sleep. After a lot of reflection and work, I can say my primary motivation for exercise now is simply to feel good mentally. I don’t exercise to chase a narrow aesthetic ideal. I actually enjoy moving my body again, which was not the case when I used to drag myself to the gym out of self-criticism.
If you suspect you might be addicted to exercise, here are seven questions to help you evaluate your habits. Think of it as a gentle audit. Our bodies often give us clear signals about what they need; the challenge is whether we choose to listen.
7 Questions to Ask Yourself About Exercise Addiction
1. Are you more tired after a workout? Do workouts generally leave you feeling refreshed and energized, or do you consistently feel drained? It’s normal to be exhausted after an intense session, but most people also experience a post-workout boost from endorphins. If you rarely feel that uplift and instead feel depleted, your body may be signaling a need for rest.
2. Do you have frequent injuries? Do you find yourself dealing with recurring aches, strains, or injuries that won’t heal? Persistent pain or repeated injuries can be a sign you’re not giving your body adequate recovery time. Rest and proper rehab are essential; pushing through pain can prolong or exacerbate issues.
3. Are you constantly getting sick? When I was caught in exercise addiction I was sick far more often. Excessive, intense training can chronically stress the body and suppress immune function, making it harder to fight infections. If you notice frequent illness alongside heavy exercise, consider scaling back to support recovery.
4. Are you excited for your workout? There’s a difference between sometimes not feeling keen to exercise and routinely dreading it. I don’t always feel ecstatic before every session, but I generally don’t face workouts with dread. If workouts consistently feel like a burden or cause anxiety, that’s a warning sign.
5. Do you feel guilty when you don’t work out? Feeling mild disappointment for missing a session is normal, but extreme guilt or shame for taking rest days is not healthy. I used to let missed workouts ruin my mood on vacation; learning to accept breaks was crucial to my recovery.
6. Have your relationships suffered? Do you prioritize training over friends, family, or meaningful commitments? Temporary phases of focused training are common, but if exercise consistently comes before important relationships and responsibilities, it’s important to reassess balance.
7. Are you comparing your body or routine to others? I used to fixate on other people’s bodies and workouts. Everyone’s needs and limits are different. Chasing someone else’s ideal or routine can lead to unhealthy patterns and unrealistic expectations.
Answering yes to one of these questions doesn’t equal a diagnosis — that requires assessment by a mental health professional. If you find yourself answering yes to several, consider sharing your concerns with someone you trust. Loved ones may have noticed patterns before you did and can offer support. Seeking therapy is also a valuable step to work through these issues with a trained clinician. Exercise addiction is recognized as a behavioral addiction and deserves attention and care. You are not alone, and recovery is possible — I am living proof of that.
As always, I’m here to support. Feel free to comment below or send an email to connect.
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed mental health professional. This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, contact local emergency services or crisis resources in your area.
Photos by: Bettina Bogar