For some of us, a negative relationship with exercise and movement may have been a component of our eating disorders. It is common to take a break from exercise when this is the case. At some point in recovery, it is likely that we will begin integrating movement back into our lives. This can be a challenging part of our journey to navigate. We may find that certain movements or exercise environments are triggering.
Exercising After an Eating Disorder
First and foremost, we should strongly consider consulting our treatment teams before returning to exercise. Returning to exercise is a highly individualized process. Our treatment teams know the unique details of our eating disorder journeys, and are therefore the most equipped to create a plan to incorporate exercise back into our lives. Our treatment teams can help us decide if we are in a good place to return to physical activity by discussing with us:
- The rationale behind returning to movement
- Our progress in eating disorder recovery
- Our past relationship with exercise
- Our current medical state
We should wait to exercise until we are cleared to return to exercise.
Tips for Engaging in Positive Movement
A tired body is a sign to stop
Listening to our bodies can be challenging at first. In the past, some of us may have overexerted ourselves to a point of exhaustion. As we return to exercise, it is important to be mindful of how our body is feeling. Once we are tired, it is time to stop.
Find an environment that feels safe
For some of us, the gym may be a triggering environment due to past experiences. However, there are many other environments in which we can form positive relationships with exercise. Some individuals who have returned to exercise feel a group environment is more fun, social, and safe; they find that group exercise studios with yoga or Pilates classes are more comfortable.
Being mindful can be helpful
Using our five senses while exercising can lead to a more positive experience with movement. For example, when out for a walk, we can take note of the breeze, the birds chirping in the trees, and the warm temperature. Taking a mental inventory of what our bodies are feeling can help us stay present in the moment in addition to reducing negative self-talk and thinking patterns.
Returning to exercise can be a challenging experience. With the support of our treatment teams, a comfortable environment, and mindful attention to our bodies, this experience can be less distressing.
How Change Creates Change Can Help
We are here to help. If you or a loved one are in need of support, we encourage you to book a free consultation call with us to learn more about how we can provide support during eating disorder recovery.
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