5. ADHD + Exercise

Exercise and I used to have a love-hate relationship.

For years, I saw it as punishment — a way to shrink myself, prove I was disciplined, or chase some impossible “consistency” goal. And every time I burned out, I felt like a failure. Sound familiar?

But what I’ve learned is that for ADHD brains, movement isn’t about willpower or aesthetics. Exercise gives us the dopamine, norepinephrine, and the blood flow we need to focus, regulate emotions, and stop all that fizzy, restless energy from turning into overwhelm.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• Why exercise is scientifically proven to help ADHD brains focus and regulate 🎓

• How movement helps you both wake up and wind down

• The messy truth about my hyperfocus → burnout gym cycles 🙈

• How I reframed exercise as self-care, not punishment

• The app I use most days (The Class) and why it feels like movement + therapy in one

• And a little playlist surprise for when you need to shake it all out in the kitchen…

Whether you’re naturally active, a reluctant mover, or someone who’s felt stuck in the “why can’t I stick to it?” spiral — this episode is your permission slip to see exercise differently.

🌟 Resources & Links

• The Class app → not sponsored, just something I personally love

• Kitchen Rave Playlist → [Grab it here] (throw it on, dance around, and call it therapy ✨)

• Follow me on FB & Insta → @theaspinallapothecary for random nuggets of ADHD info!

• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss next week’s episode

⚡ If this episode resonated, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Every share helps more ADHD brains find the tools and support they need.