# Why Rest Feels Hard: Midlife Training, Anxiety & Identity with Erin Ayala, PhD, LP, CMPC  (Episode 259)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hit-play-not-pause-1366847/why-rest-feels-hard-midlife-training-anxiety-identity-with-erin-ayala-phd-lp-cmpc-episode-259
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/hit-play-not-pause-1366847/why-rest-feels-hard-midlife-training-anxiety-identity-with-erin-ayala-phd-lp-cmpc-episode-259.md
Podcast: [Hit Play Not Pause](https://stenobird.com/podcast/hit-play-not-pause-1366847)
Published: 2026-01-28T07:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.feistymenopause.com/
Audio file: https://pscrb.fm/rss/p/pdst.fm/e/pdcn.co/e/episodes.captivate.fm/episode/d57d8036-d747-41ca-9c72-c6dd83bb6a45.mp3
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Duration seconds: 3100

## Resource

Exercise is supposed to be healthy—but when does dedication cross into compulsion? In this episode, we sat down with sports psychologist and new host of the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast, Dr. Erin Ayala to explore the murky, often misunderstood concept of exercise addiction. We unpack why it’s not an official diagnosis, how it overlaps with perfectionism, anxiety, body image, and control, and why endurance athletes—especially midlife women—can be uniquely vulnerable. We also dive into identity, boundaries, training culture, and how to tell whether exercise is supporting your life—or quietly running it. Erin Ayala, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Licensed Psychologist and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) offering virtual mental health therapy for athletes aged 14 and above. She provides one-on-one performance coaching, CMPC mentorship, clinical supervision, and group workshops for teams and sport organizations. She supports athletes in injury recovery, managing performance anxiety, depression, pre-competition stress, confidence, and self-criticism. Located in Minnesota, she is licensed to work with athletes in 40 states. You can learn more about Dr. Ayala and her work at www.skadisportpsychology.com . Follow the newly launched The Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast here . Sign up for our FREE Feisty 40+ newsletter: https://feisty.co/feisty-40/ Join Feisty at the Grand Traverse in Duluth, MN on October 3rd! Use code FEISTY20 for $20 off when you register at https://feisty.co/events/the-grand-traverse/ Learn More about our 2026 Feisty Events, including Bike Camps and Cycling Trips: https://feisty.co/events/ Follow Us on Instagram: Feisty Menopause: @feistymenopause Hit Play Not Pause Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/807943973376099 Support our Partner…

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