compulsive exercise treatment
transformative exercise addiction treatment programs
Exercise addiction is an unhealthy obsession with physical fitness and exercise, often developing in parallel with or as a result of a body image disorder or eating disorder. At Galen Hope, we are experienced in compulsive exercise treatment for clients who are addicted to exercise. We help people overcome obsessive exercising behaviors to treat the root cause and/or co-occurring condition.
identifying exercise addiction symptoms
Although we can all agree that exercise is important for one’s health, many people have a disordered relationship with it. This can be difficult to confront because of the enormous societal pressures related to fitness and what is considered to be a “healthy lifestyle.”
Therefore, exercise addiction can sometimes be challenging to diagnose, due to the condition sharing symptoms in common with other kinds of addiction. So, what are the indicators that someone’s relationship with exercise has become unhealthy and requires compulsive exercise treatment?
- Feelings of guilt or pressure on days when the person does not exercise
- Feeling that exercise is used to compensate for eating
- The individual finds it hard to eat flexibly or spontaneously because of an interruption to their exercise routine
- Continuing to exercise when sick, injured, or exhausted
- Continuing to exercise when medical professionals have told the person to stop
- Choosing exercise over other activities, such as important family or other social events
- The need to exercise interrupts daily functioning, dominates free time or travel, or inconveniences others
- The person is rigid or inflexible about their exercise routine to the point of interfering with plans
- The person feels driven to do the exercise without any sense of pleasure or joy
how we help
At Galen Hope, we work with clients to help them rediscover their sense of joy in movement. Throughout the treatment of this disorder, individuals examine the ways in which they are currently caring for themselves, then work with their team to create a plan that allows for mindfulness as it relates to movement while addressing any distorted beliefs, compulsive behaviors, or fears.
what exercise addiction treatment might look like at galen hope
1. connect
Connect with us: A compassionate care coordinator will listen and help you take the first step towards healing and moving forward with your life.
2. Collaborate
Collaborate on your treatment plan: Our expert clinical team will design a personalized roadmap based on your goals, needs, and life circumstances.
3. Engage
Engage in our healing community: Participate in a structured, supportive treatment program alongside peers and professionals who understand trauma.
4. Healing
Begin your journey toward lasting healing: As symptoms ease, you will develop skills, insight, and a renewed sense of self to carry with you long after treatment ends.
typical exercise addiction clients we work with
At Galen Hope, we work with individuals whose relationships with movement and performance have become overwhelming, rigid, or harmful. Our clients include adolescents and college students navigating identity and pressure, adults balancing demanding careers, and athletes, dancers, and fitness professionals who have internalized high expectations around body, discipline, and achievement. Many come to us feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally dependent on exercise routines that once felt empowering but now feel inescapable.
We’re proud to support a wide spectrum of individuals, including LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients, as well as members of the Jewish, BIPOC, and Latinx communities—many of whom find comfort in our bilingual staff and culturally responsive care. We also work closely with families, especially those supporting teens or loved ones affected by trauma or grief.
At Galen Hope, we don’t just help you step away from compulsive patterns—we walk with you as you reconnect to joy, rest, and the freedom to move through life differently.
we invite you here to heal in your own very special way
At Galen Hope, every client is immediately acknowledged as an individual whose story may not be represented by traditional diagnostic criteria. We seek to fully understand their life experience and to provide them with an affirming environment where they feel accepted and supported.
For someone struggling with an eating disorder or mental illness, finding a place in the world, forming connections, developing meaning and purpose in life, and having day-to-day support is vital to better outcomes, long-term health, and well-being. We create a sense of community inside our doors, where we facilitate a commitment to recovery. We find tremendous meaning in bringing someone into our circle and helping them recognize the importance they play in it. It is through these relationships that healing takes place and clients begin to develop the skills to live both independently and in relation to others.
exercise addiction faqs
how do I know if I have an exercise addiction?
Exercise addiction involves compulsively exercising despite negative physical or emotional consequences. Signs include feeling unable to cut back, prioritizing exercise over social or work commitments, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or irritability when not exercising.
If exercise feels more like a compulsion than a choice, it may indicate a problem. A professional assessment can help determine if you have exercise addiction.
how does exercise addiction affect the body?
Exercise addiction can lead to overuse injuries, chronic fatigue, weakened immune function, and hormonal imbalances. The body may not get enough time to recover, which increases the risk of stress fractures, muscle strains, and other physical damage. Additionally, it can disrupt normal sleep and appetite patterns. Over time, these effects can seriously undermine overall health.
can exercise addiction lead to injuries?
Yes, exercise addiction often results in injuries due to excessive strain on muscles, joints, and bones without adequate rest. Repetitive stress and ignoring pain signals can cause fractures, tendonitis, and chronic inflammation. These injuries may worsen if the addiction continues without intervention. Proper recovery time is crucial to prevent lasting damage.
how is exercise addiction different from being passionate about fitness?
Passion for fitness involves enjoying exercise while maintaining balance with other areas of life and listening to your body’s needs. Exercise addiction is characterized by compulsive behaviors, inability to stop, and negative impacts on mental or physical health. While fitness passion supports well-being, addiction causes distress and harm. Recognizing this difference is key to seeking help when needed.
how does exercise addiction relate to eating disorders?
Exercise addiction often co-occurs with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, where excessive exercise is used to control weight or compensate for food intake. It can be a way to manage anxiety or guilt around eating. Addressing both exercise behaviors and disordered eating simultaneously is important for comprehensive recovery. Integrated treatment helps break this harmful cycle.
can Exercise Addiction be cured?
While exercise addiction can be challenging, many individuals achieve recovery with appropriate treatment and support. Therapy, education, and developing healthier coping skills help manage compulsions and rebuild balance. Recovery often involves redefining one’s relationship with exercise and self-care. With patience and guidance, lasting healing is possible.
what's the difference between an inpatient vs outpatient treatment center?
Inpatient treatment provides 24/7 care and supervision, ideal for individuals with severe exercise addiction and related medical or psychological issues. Outpatient treatment offers flexibility to live at home while attending regular therapy and support sessions.
Galen Hope offers a comprehensive treatment program combining clinical expertise with a supportive community model, helping clients heal in real-life settings. This approach is effective for those needing structured care without full hospitalization.
how can I help a friend or family member with cluster c personality disorders?
Start by expressing concern without judgment and encourage open, honest conversations about their exercise habits. Avoid criticizing or demanding immediate changes; instead, offer to help them seek professional support.
Learn about exercise addiction to better understand their experience and be patient throughout their recovery process. Your empathy and encouragement can be a vital source of strength.
does galen hope take insurance?
Yes. Galen Hope accepts insurance for mental health and eating disorder treatment. We are in-network with ComPsych, Claritev (formerly called Multiplan), Aetna, and Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. We also work with many out-of-network insurance providers and offer benefit verification to help you understand your options.
What insurance plans does Galen Hope accept for eating disorder and mental health treatment?
Galen Hope is currently in-network with ComPsych, Multiplan, Aetna, and select Optum/UnitedHealthcare plans. Through our Optum contract, we may also be able to work with commercial plans such as UnitedHealthcare, AvMed, and Oscar. We also support many clients through out-of-network benefits with providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, First Health, and others. To determine how your specific plan may apply to treatment, please contact us for a complimentary insurance verification.
Can I use out-of-network insurance to pay for treatment at Galen Hope?
In some instances, we can accept out-of-network (OON) as full payment while in others, we provide a scaled partial payment. This may also be connected with your out or pocket max, as well as co-pays and co-insurance. The degree to which out of network benefits cover the full cost of treatment varies greatly from policy to policy. In some instances it can serve as full payment, while others may cover a portion. In all cases, individuals using out of network benefits will be subject to paying their out-of-network deductible and other fees such as the out of pocket max, co-insurance or co-pays as dictated by your insurance policy.
Does Galen Hope help verify insurance benefits for treatment?
Absolutely. We offer free insurance benefit verification to help you understand what your policy may cover before you begin treatment. We aim to provide full transparency around coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Can I get a Single Case Agreement (SCA) for treatment at Galen Hope?
When clinically indicated and appropriate, we pursue Single Case Agreements (SCAs) to help families access in-network-level coverage with an out-of-network provider. Our team advocates on your behalf and provides clinical documentation to support the request. We encourage you to call us so that we can determine if a SCA is warranted.
What happens if my insurance stops covering treatment early?
If your insurance coverage ends unexpectedly and we believe the denial of care is not in your best clinical interest, our team will work directly with your insurance carrier to appeal the decision. You will receive timely notification of any changes in authorizations for care in order to explore financial options and clinical recommendations to help minimize any disruption in care.
How can I find out what my insurance covers for eating disorder or mental health treatment?
Our admissions team will assess your insurance policy, the recommended level of care, and your treatment location to give you a clear understanding of what your plan is likely to cover. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Are insurance benefits different depending on where I live?
Yes. Insurance coverage may vary by state and plan type. We consider your plan’s regional requirements when evaluating your benefits.
Will I know my treatment costs before starting at Galen Hope?
Yes. Before admission, we’ll walk you through all anticipated costs, including what insurance is likely to cover and any out-of-pocket expenses, so there are no surprises.
Can Galen Hope help me understand my insurance coverage?
Yes. Our experienced admissions team will break down your policy, explain your mental health or eating disorder benefits, and help you make the most informed decision possible.
our exercise addiction treatment centers in florida
With two state-of-the-art exercise addiction treatment centers in Florida, Galen Hope is committed to transforming the lives of individuals navigating compulsive exercise behaviors and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our personalized, integrative approach goes beyond symptom management—helping clients uncover the emotional, psychological, and often trauma-related roots of their relationship with movement.
We create a safe, inclusive environment where clients can rebuild trust in their bodies, explore new coping strategies, and find freedom beyond rigid routines. Whether you’re based in Florida or seeking specialized care from out of state, our programs are thoughtfully designed to support lasting balance, restoration, and self-compassion.
coral gables
Address: 806 Douglas Road, Suite 625
Coral Gables, FL 33445
delray beach
Address: 4600 Linton Blvd.
Delray Beach, FL 33445