Over-exercising
Exercise is recognised as being important for physical and psychological well being. It is recommended that everyone takes part in exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week.
Many people exercise much more frequently than that and their activity levels are not harmful. They may be working towards sport or aerobic goals and gain a high degree of satisfaction from their exercise.
How can you tell when someone is over-exercising?
“My daughter has always been more sporty and active than her friends. She goes to the gym every day for two hours – should I be worried?“
A person who is over-exercising in a harmful way may show some or all of the following signs:
- They exercise regardless of all consequences – missing social activities or important school, college or work commitments.
- They have an emotional attachment to exercise and become extremely anxious if they miss an exercise session.
- The goal of exercise is to lose weight and feel worthwhile, rather than for athletic goals, enjoyment or social interaction.
- Their schedule is rigid and if they miss one exercise session, they will do twice the amount next time.
- They will exercise even if they are injured.
- They will exercise alone.
What are the consequences of over-exercising?
People who regularly over-exercise are at risk of the following physical side-effects and complications:
- Degenerative arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Stress fractures
- Fatigue
- Breakdown of muscle mass
- Dehydration
- Cardiovascular complications
There are also a number of social side-effects of over-exercising as the problem becomes a dominant influence in the sufferer’s life:
- Deterioration of social relationships
- Failure or difficulties at school, college and work due to the demands of exercise regime
- Social isolation
- Anxiety and depression
- Poor self-esteem and self-image
Outpatient clinic

We have an outpatient clinic for adults as well as young people, treating eating disorders including bulimia and binge eating disorder.
Eating disorders help: our services in London and York

Newbridge House is part of the Schoen Clinic group, 26 high quality hospitals and services across Germany and the UK. Schoen Clinic Chelsea provides private outpatient and day treatment for adults, adolescents and children with eating disorders, anxiety and depression. You can self-refer to our service in Chelsea. Additionally, Schoen Clinic York is an adult inpatient service for adults with eating disorders and complex personality disorders.
Eating Disorders Help
- Do I have an Eating Disorder?
- Eating disorders and laxatives
- Eating disorders and self-harm
- How do I know if my child has an eating disorder?
- I think my friend has an eating disorder
- Is there a test for an eating disorder?
- What is Food Neophobia?
- Men and Eating Disorders
- My child has an eating disorder. How can I get help?
- Newbridge House Webcasts
- Over-exercising
- Resources for Schools
- Step-by-step guide to eating disorder treatment
- The Physical Effects of Anorexia
- The Physical Effects of Bulimia
- Understanding the new NICE quality standards for eating disorders treatment
- What are the causes of eating disorders?
- What can I do to protect my children from developing an eating disorder?