Is It Wellness… or Exercise Addiction?
We hear a lot about the benefits of movement—and at The WELL, we love helping people move better, feel stronger, and connect with their bodies in meaningful ways.
But here’s the thing: Even a good thing can go too far.
Exercise addiction is a real and often overlooked pattern—especially in a culture that praises hustle, thinness, and self-discipline at all costs.
What Does Exercise Addiction Look Like?
Here’s what it can look like:
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Pushing through workouts even when you’re in pain or deeply exhausted
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Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty if you miss a day
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Choosing exercise over rest, connection, or your own intuition
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Believing that your worth is tied to how hard you work out—or how you look because of it
There’s a fine line between commitment and compulsion. (Check out this article by Psychology Today on ‘How Much Exercise is Too Much?’)
At The WELL, we often work with people who come to us after years of overtraining, burnout, or injury. They were doing “all the right things” but still didn’t feel good in their bodies—or at peace in their minds.
The truth is: Exercise addiction isn’t about laziness or weakness. It’s often driven by deeper beliefs about value, control, and identity. And just like any other unhealthy relationship, healing begins when you learn to listen to your body again—and treat it with compassion instead of punishment.
Balance: The Answer to Exercise Addiction
We believe movement should support your life—not run it.
If you’ve ever felt trapped in an all-or-nothing mindset with exercise, or you suspect you’re pushing yourself past what’s healthy, know this:
You’re not alone. There’s another way.
Let us help you find balance. Your body—and your mind—will thank you.
For more information on exercise addiction, here’s an article from Healthline.com.
