Is Your Relationship with Exercise Healthy? Here’s How to Tell

Exercise is often praised as a cornerstone of good mental and physical health—and for good reason. It can boost mood, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and increase energy. But like any relationship, our connection with exercise can become unhealthy when it’s rooted in guilt, obsession, or self-punishment.

So how do you know if your relationship with exercise is helping or hurting you? Here are a few signs to watch for:

Signs of a healthy relationship with exercise:

• You move your body in ways that you enjoy—not just ways that burn calories.

• Rest days don’t make you feel guilty.

• You exercise to feel better, not just to look different.

• You can skip a workout without feeling like you've failed.

• You listen to your body’s signals and adjust your routine accordingly.

Signs your relationship might be unhealthy:

• You feel anxious or irritable if you miss a workout.

• You exercise to "earn" food or to "punish" yourself for eating.

• You ignore pain, fatigue, or injury just to stick to a schedule.

• Your self-worth is tied to your fitness level or appearance.

• Exercise takes priority over relationships, work, or rest—every time.

At my Denver therapy practice, I help individuals explore their habits and beliefs around exercise in a safe, nonjudgmental space. If you’re noticing more red flags than green, it might be time to reflect on what’s really driving your workouts.

You don’t need to stop moving your body—you may just need to approach it with more compassion, balance, and support. Working with a licensed therapist who understands the intersection of mental health and fitness culture can help you build a healthier, more sustainable relationship with exercise.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, body image, or burnout, I am here to help you reconnect with yourself—one step at a time. Reach out to eada@morningbirdtherapy.com to set up a free consultation!