Excessive use of the Gym and Exercise

Excessive use of the gym and exercise. Pre-occupation with gaining muscles. Body Image.

Being pre-occupied with gaining muscles and going to the gym and exercise excessively is very common amongst gay men. It is often driven by wanting to meet the relentless demand of “body perfection” highly praised in the gay scene. Such acute body pre-occupation may lead to serious consequences: social isolation, depression, difficulty to maintain sexual and romantic relationships, difficulty to maintain friendships, acute anxiety, eating disorders, high likelihood of substance misuse and steroid abuse, risk of suicide.

The quality of life of people with acute preoccupation of body perfectionism is severely impacted by prioritising training at the gym, and neglecting other aspects of life and important needs for wellbeing.
Psychotherapy can help you explore your thoughts and feelings you have about your body image and your exercise behaviours in a safe and non-judgmental space, so that you can make the choices that you want in order to lead a functional and fulfilling life that feels right for you.