Table 1 LEAP session overview
Session | Name | Content |
|---|---|---|
Session 0 | Individual LEAP Exercise Profile | Initial information and introduction of the CBT-model of the maintenance of compulsive exercise. Completion of the LEAP Exercise Profile and individual maintenance formulation. |
Session 1 | Orientation | Group introduction, presentation of central concepts, the CBT-model, and the Exercise Profiles. Introduction of the behavioral experiment, self-monitoring task, and homework. |
Session 2 | Healthy and Unhealthy Exercise | Review differences between healthy and unhealthy exercise behaviors and attitudes. Connect to the CBT-model and Exercise Profiles. Introduction of the cognitive restructuring technique. |
Session 3 | Myths and Facts | Highlight the difference between myths and facts, and how myths (false beliefs, assumptions) can maintain unhealthy attitudes and behaviors toward exercise. |
Session 4 | Compulsive Exercise and Eating Disorders | Presentation of the relationship between compulsive exercise and eating disorders, and their respective maintaining factors. Introduction of the problem solving and guided discovery techniques. |
Session 5 | Psychological Dependence on Mood Regulation and ‘Exercise Addiction’ | Highlight the role of exercise in regulation mood and emotions, and the risk of psychological dependence (‘addicion’) to exercise. Introduction of alternative strategies to manage emotions. |
Session 6 | Behavioural Rigidity | Explore how strict rules and unrealistic standards results in rigid, compulsive behaviors, both in relation to exercise and other life areas. Introduction of the cost analysis technique. |
Session 7 | Perfectionism and Exercise | Highlight the relationship between perfectionism, self-criticism and compulsive exercise. Introduction of acceptance and self-compassion as alternative approaches towards performance. |
Session 8 | Initiating and Maintaining Factors | Explore differences in reasons for starting and continuing to exercise. Summarizing the LEAP intervention, techniques, remaining challenges and relapse prevention. |