How does exercise and workout make you feel about yourself?
Did you know?
Exercising at least twice a week improves your mood and health BUT it is supposed to make you feel good about yourself and your body!
Exercise and movement are important parts of wellness and longevity. Research has proven the benefits of exercise on mental and physical health. Exercise is a natural antidepressant and cure for depression & anxiety. Movement is the most underrated medicine available plus it is for free. Personally, I prefer the word “movement” as it sounds gentle on the ear and mind. It makes it something fun rather than exercise, which sounds rigid and intimidating. The language used to motivate ourselves to move our bodies should be positive and body neutral. Why mention language? The words we speak program our brain to view exercise/movement as something positive or negative. It is optimal to program your brain to view exercise as something positive and it’s a healthier mindset. The ability of movement is to celebrate what your body can do, not punish it.
Pause and reflect:
Why do I exercise? Do I do it because my body is strong and I can? Is it to punish myself for enjoying a slice of pizza? How does exercise make you feel?
Based on your answers above, you will know what your relationship with exercise is like.
What does a healthy relationship look like?
A healthy relationship to exercise should not affect diet or body image. It should feel empowering rather than coming from a place of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and self-hate.
What does an unhealthy relationship look like?
An unhealthy relationship to body image signs is negative feelings towards affect body image, diet, or body image. This can potentially lead to the development of an unhealthy relationship between food and eating disorders/disordered eating. Diet culture has affected how we view the body in terms of standards set by the fitness industry. The fitness industry focuses on weight loss, which is problematic as it primes the mind to focus on body image rather than body strength.
Signs of a healthy relationship to exercise:
Healthy body image
A good relationship with food
Coming from a place of self-love
Lack of obsession around weight loss
Feeling satisfied with physical appearance
Positive outlook in regards to physical appearance
No form of food restriction (removal of food groups, fad diets, reducing dietary intake)
Unhealthy relationship to exercise signs:
Increased stress levels
Negative self-talk about body
Unhealthy relationship to food
Low self-confidence & self-esteem
Feelings of guilt if you missed a workout
Feeling unsatisfied with how your body looks
Engaging in a restrictive diet to influence weight
Rigid lifestyle structured around diet and exercise
Exercising to intended to lose weight, change body or reach a body goal
No form of food restriction (removal of food groups, fad diets, reducing dietary intake)
What can you do to have a healthy mindset around movement?
Engage in activity that makes you feel good
Choose a healthy environment to move your body
Set body positive goals that affect you in a good way
Focus on how you feel rather than calorie burning or muscle gains
Let go of the idea of perfection and work on accepting your body as it is
Seek support if you are showing signs of an unhealthy relationship to exercise
Surround yourself with people that are supportive and good for your mental health
Give yourself permission to enjoy food after working out without focusing on numbers
Remember that health is a destination and not a goal.
I know that having a healthy relationship to exercise may be difficult for those who have/had an eating disorder/disordered eating. It may take time, but it is worth it! Feeling healthy is both an internal and external experience AND both are important.
If you have any questions, reach out to me at @embracing_wellbeing on Instagram or click on the contact me via email at sarah@embracingwellbeing.com
If you are interested in booking a free health history consultation, click on this link.