6 Things to Consider Before Returning to Exercise in ED Recovery
Here's some great tips from PT Trinity Handley, on what you might want to consider before stepping back into exercise during eating disorder recovery.
- Be honest and open with yourself about your motivations and intentions for exercise. If they are related to compensating for food, burning calories or changing your body, exercise is unlikely to be a healthy option right now.
- Avoid going back to old, ED related patterns or forms of exercise. E.g. if you used to compulsively run, don't start by running again. Try a form of exercise which doesn't have ED associations as you're getting back into movement. You could try Pilates, cycling, swimming or resistance training for example!
- Ditch the technology! Falling back in love with movement and exercise requires the ability to tune into your body and listen to it. You're not going to be able to do this if you're being driven to exercise by stats on a watch or an app.
- Make it social. Find a friend or family member who will keep you company if you're trying out a new exercise class or going for a jog or walk. Exercising with someone else is a great way to avoid over-doing things or getting swept up in negative thought processes.
- Be mindful of the social media content you're following in relation to sport and exercise. Unfollow all accounts that make you start comparing your body to others. There's so much toxicity in fitness Instagram and 'Fit Tok' so find accounts that promote balance, body positivity and the joy of movement, rather than ones promoting a certain type of body shape or showing lots of women in crop tops and booty shorts.
- Be aware that if you're exercising, you will need to increase your food intake. If this is a struggle for you, it is absolutely pointless (and potentially dangerous) to start adding exercise into your routine. Don't derail your recovery if you still need to gain regain weight. It's hard but just be patient, remember there is no point rushing recovery - there aren't any short cuts!
*With many thanks to Trinity Handley for these great tips
- If you want to share your story about returning to exercise, email hello@wednesdayschild.co.uk
- May 2022
