In a previous blog we discussed the links between exercise and mental health and how exercise can be hugely important for raising and maintaining our mood. In this blog, we will discuss how the healthy habit of exercise can sometimes become addictive, and can actually harm both our physical and mental health.
When healthy habits turn harmful
For most people, exercise is a beneficial part of life. It boosts mood, enhances cardiovascular health, and offers a constructive way to manage stress. However, when the pursuit of fitness becomes obsessive, it can lead to exercise addiction. This condition is characterised by a compulsive need to work out, even in the face of injury, illness, or social isolation. Exercise ceases to be a pleasurable activity and becomes a ritualistic behaviour performed out of anxiety or guilt.
Often, exercise addiction emerges in tandem with body image issues. Many people who develop an unhealthy relationship with exercise are also preoccupied with how their body looks, which can overlap with symptoms of eating disorders. These eating disorders—such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder—are complex mental health conditions where food intake and self-image become interwoven with one’s emotional state.
The psychological roots of compulsive exercise
At its core, exercise addiction is often about more than just physical fitness. It may represent an attempt to gain control over other areas of life that feel unpredictable or overwhelming. For some, the gym or running track becomes a sanctuary, a place where effort translates directly into visible progress. The immediate gratification of sweating out stress can mask deeper emotional pain or unresolved trauma. Over time, this behaviour can become a maladaptive coping mechanism—a substitute for addressing the underlying issues.
Often people can initially view their commitment to exercise as a form of self-care, only to later recognise that their routines are fuelled by deeper emotional distress. They may feel compelled to maintain rigorous exercise schedules to compensate for feelings of inadequacy or to assert control in an otherwise chaotic world. This psychological dependency can lead to a cycle where the body is pushed beyond its natural limits, resulting in physical injuries, chronic fatigue, or even immune system suppression.
It is also worth pointing out that a highly competitive sports person might also display characteristics of exercise addiction. There often needs to be a level of discipline and obsession in the sports to get to the championship winning level. So, understanding if the level of exercise and the obsession with the sport is healthy or not can be a difficult balance.
Intersecting pathways: exercise addiction and eating disorders
The connection between exercise addiction and eating disorders is profound. Often, the excessive drive to work out is linked with a distorted body image and a harsh inner critic. For instance, those who suffer from anorexia may engage in relentless physical activity as a way to further lose weight, believing that burning more calories will bring them closer to an ideal self-image. Similarly, those with bulimia might use exercise as a means to counterbalance episodes of binge eating. Also, an eating disorder can morph into exercise addiction – so food is no longer restricted, but exercise entirely replaces the need to restrict.
Both exercise addiction and eating disorders share a common trait: the relentless pursuit of perfection. This obsession can trap individuals in a vicious cycle where progress is measured by self-imposed, often unrealistic standards. The result is a continuous loop of reward and punishment, where every workout or meal becomes a test of one’s worth. Recognising this interconnectedness is crucial, as treatment must address both the behavioural components and the underlying emotional triggers.
Paths toward recovery
Recovery from exercise addiction and eating disorders involves a holistic approach. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and support groups can play pivotal roles in helping individuals regain balance. Also, creating a more compassionate relationship with yourself can be a key component in overcoming exercise addiction. This involves challenging the notion that self-worth is solely determined by physical appearance or performance in the gym or sports field.
An important part of the healing journey is understanding that recovery does not mean abandoning exercise altogether. Instead, it’s about reclaiming exercise as a healthy, enjoyable activity rather than an obligatory chore. Professional guidance from both a personal trainer and a psychotherapist can help reframe exercise habits, ensuring that they serve as a tool for wellbeing rather than a source of self-punishment.
While exercise is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to remain mindful of its potential to become addictive. When combined with factors like body image issues and eating disorders, the consequences can be both physically and emotionally damaging. Seeking psychotherapy can be an important step forward to acknowledging and tackling exercise addiction.
Dr Simon Cassar is an integrative existential therapist, trained in Person-Centred Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and Existential Psychotherapy. He is available at our Lewes clinic and also works online.
Further reading by Dr Simon Cassar –
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