Exercise dependence or Exercise avoidance

What is exercise dependence?

You may have heard exercise dependence called ‘over-exercise’, ‘compulsive exercise’, ‘compensatory movement’ or ‘obligatory exercise’. Exercise dependence can often appear as part of an unhealthy relationship with the body; and can become a serious health problem when people overly focus or spend a significant amount of time on physical activity that is:

• Obligatory or compensatory

• Exhibited by a sense of urgency or agitation when the person cannot partake in the behavior

• At the expense of other activities - work, school, or social life

• Undertaken during times of illness, injury or in poor/dangerous weather

• Causing health problems (GI symptoms, changes in menses, etc.)

• Taking place when the person is tired or has not eaten enough

• Often a form of punishment rather than a pleasant activity that honors the body

What is exercise avoidance?

The intention of moving the body is too often distorted and is used as a way to “control” or alter the body with the goal of changing its shape in one way or another. This distorted intention of moving the body can lead people to avoid movement of all types due to the societal pressures associated with physical pain, fatigue, shame or guilt. All Voices works with clients to find movement that can bring you joy and satisfaction in what your body can do rather than feeling forced or the need to abstain from movement completely.