EP 233.5: From Exercise Addiction & Gym Obsession to Healthy Movement ~ The 5 Step Recovery Framework That Works **Must Listen Fav!**

Struggling with exercise addiction? You're not alone. If you're working out every single day, feeling intense guilt when you miss a session, or using exercise to compensate for food intake, this episode is your roadmap to freedom. Recovery coach Lindsey Nichol, who overcame her own compulsive exercise patterns (working out twice daily at her worst), shares the exact 5-step framework that helped her and countless clients break free from exercise addiction and develop a healthy relationship with movement. This episode is essential if you: Exercise daily without rest daysFeel anxiety or panic when you can't work outAlter vacations or skip social events for workoutsRestrict food on days you exercise lessUse fitness to "earn" your mealsExperience guilt when missing planned workouts What You'll Learn About Exercise Addiction Recovery ✅ The Hidden Connection between eating disorders and compulsive exercise patterns ✅ Lindsey's Recovery Story: From cardio queen doing 2-hour daily sessions to finding movement freedom ✅ Real Client Success: How one woman reduced her routine from 7 days/week (1 hour 45 minutes daily) to just 3 days (30 minutes each) ✅ The Science Behind Exercise Addiction and why it's so common in eating disorder recovery ✅ 5 Proven Steps to Overcome Exercise Addiction (detailed action plan included) The 5-Step Framework to Healthy Movement Step 1: Assess Your Current Exercise Routine Document frequency, duration, and intensityTrack emotional responses to missed workoutsIdentify compulsive exercise patternsRecognize anxiety triggers around rest days Step 2: Master the Power of Permission Grant yourself permission to restChallenge exercise-related guiltReframe rest as essential for recoveryPractice self-compassion during routine changes Step 3: Visualize Your Future Recovered Self Imagine life beyond daily workoutsConsider enjoyable movement alternativesIdentify non-exercise activities you're missingQuestion whether current exercise brings joy or obligation Step 4: Set Small, Tangible Goals Start with 5-minute workout reductionsReplace one workout with restful activitiesSchedule rest days in advancePlan alternative self-care activities Step 5: Embrace Progress Over Perfection Expect setbacks as part of recoveryPractice self-forgiveness for "slip-ups"Recognize growth in small changesChallenge diet culture messaging about exercise Powerful Recovery Insights "Rest is required in recovery—it's non-negotiable." "We don't even realize we're doing this to our body because we get so trapped in the cycle." "I didn't start working out two times a day overnight. It was the disorder that came on over time." "If you're listening to me and you're on the treadmill, get off of it." Client Transformation Spotlight Hear from Sabina, Lindsey's client who worked together for over a year to overcome people-pleasing, perfectionism, and exercise compulsion. Her powerful testimony demonstrates that recovery from exercise addiction is possible with proper support and guidance. Sabina's words: "Lindsey gave me feedback on how to reframe with positive intent rather than staying stuck in negativity... Since working with Lindsey, a new concept of myself is emerging, one free from deprivation and restraint." Exercise Addiction Warning Signs Physical Signs: Working out despite injury or illnessExercising multiple times dailyInability to take rest daysFatigue from overtraining Emotional Signs: Anxiety when missing workoutsGuilt after rest daysExercise-based self-worthSocial isolation for workout time Behavioral Signs: Rigid exercise schedulesCompensatory exercise after eatingVacation planning around gym accessPrioritizing workouts over relationships Recovery Resources & Next Steps Ready to Break Free from Exercise Addiction? 📧 Email Lindsey: [e-mail] 🌐 Apply for Recovery Coaching: www.herbestself.co 👥 Join the Community: www.herbestselfsociety.com Your Permission Slip for Today: Choose one workout to skip this week. Use that time for: Coffee with a friendJournaling or meditationReading a bookSimply resting without guilt Key Takeaways for Exercise Addiction Recovery Exercise addiction is common in eating disorder recovery due to learned restriction patternsCold turkey approach may be necessary for some individualsGradual reduction works for others - find your approachRest days are essential for physical and mental recoveryProfessional support accelerates the healing process If this episode expanded your vision of what's possible, please share it with someone who needs to make peace with exercise. Your support helps more women discover the abundant life waiting beyond their eating disorder. *While I am a certified health coach, anorexia survivor & eating disorder recovery coach, I do not intend the use of this message to serve as medical advice. Please refer to the disclaimer here in the show & be sure to contact a licensed clinical provider if you are struggling with an eating disorder.