Compulsive exercise (also called obligatory exercise and anorexia athletica) is someone who is addicted to exercise. He or she no longer chooses to exercise but feels compelled to do so and struggles with guilt and anxiety if he or she doesn't exercise. Injury, illness, an outing with friends, bad weather - none of these will deter those with a compulsive exercise issue. In a sense, exercising takes over a compulsive exerciser's life because he or she plans life around it.

So, how is it possible to draw a clear line dividing a healthy amount of exercise from too much exercise? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends at least 60 minutes of physical activity for kids and teens on most, if not all, days of the week. Experts say that repeatedly exercising beyond the requirements for good health is an indicator of compulsive exercise behavior, but because different amounts of exercise are appropriate for different people, this definition covers a range of activity levels. However, several workouts a day, every day, is overdoing it for almost anyone.

Much like with eating disorders, many people who engage in compulsive exercise do so to feel more in control of their lives, and the majority of them are female. Compulsive exercise behavior can also grow out of student athletes' demanding practice schedules and their quest to excel in their sport. Both external pressure (from coaches, peers, or parents) and internal pressures can drive the athlete to go too far to be the best. He or she ends up believing that just one more workout will make the difference between first and second place.