Exercising causes more struggle for me

I had found the same thing. I was playing tennis all the time but I ended up quitting because my intrusive thoughts were increasing and just ended up walking for exercise .I did that for a couple of months and I just started adding weight training. Also, I found it helpful to walk with someone. We all know that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing but expecting a different result. So sometimes it's good to change things up. Someone told me that sometimes you have to slow down to speed up.

You could try bringing more mindfulness into your exercise routine so you feel more of a mind body connection. Sometimes I go running and just try to observe what nature I’m running past. Or I’ll do yoga or weight lifting and bring my awareness to how my different muscle groups are working together. Also maybe ask yourself if part of your exercise routine has become compulsive. I used to do a ton of yoga but wouldn’t feel relaxed at all because I’d be hyper aware of “feeling right and even” in my body.

Yes I’ve found while I am running I am doing the mental compulsions and physical too by saying things out loud etc.

I play horror movies while at the gym. It’s the only way to make the intrusive thoughts not overpower me cuz I have the same problem. 😅