Clients Who Exercise Too Much

Learn more about exercise addiction

The first step to recognizing and helping people who might be over-exercising is to learn more about exercise addiction. Many people engage in high volumes of exercise, and are not necessarily "addicted." Psychologists say that someone is addicted to exercise when they continue to exercise compulsively even though exercise is having negative effects. A good source of information on exercise addiction can be found at the Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders website at www.anred.com.

Understand how much exercise is too much

Exercise becomes "too much" when it puts a person at risk for injury or other health problems, or when it leads to a decline in physical fitness. Too much exercise may also indicate the presence of a serious eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.

Talk to your supervisor or staff

If you are worried about a particular client, talk to your supervisor. If you are the supervisor, talk to your people. Do they see the same thing you are seeing, or are you overreacting? Does someone know something about this person that justifies the over-exercising? Maybe she is already in treatment for some other problem, and exercising is helping her get through a rough time. Has someone else already intervened and expressed concern? It's important that you are all on the same wavelength and don't interfere with each other's efforts. Decide as a group whether or not you think this client is at risk for injury.

Express your concern in a supportive, tactful manner

If you decide to talk to your over-exercising clients, be as tactful as possible. Could you offer them a free personal training session to discuss their fitness goals and exercise program? Tell them this session comes with their membership benefits. In this private consultation, you could educate them in a professional manner about the importance of rest and recovery, and the dangers of excessive exercise. You could also express your concern about their health, and your worry that too much exercise could lead to injury or other health problems.

Check medical clearance forms

Clients with eating disorders may not be discriminated against, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. But they may be at risk for cardiovascular complications during exercise. When clients tell you they have an eating disorder, or they exhibit extremely low body weight, blood pressure or resting heart rate, ask them to check in with their healthcare providers. Update your medical clearance forms, just as you would for any other client at risk, such as a client who becomes pregnant. Require a physician's consent form, and check in with the physician if you are worried.