Find the right balance: exercise
I recently read this article and it got me thinking about my own journey with exercise.
Exercise is a good thing, right?
Yes of course it is. But here’s the catch; if you’re dealing with an eating disorder or have a negative relationship with exercise and your body image, it can be pretty damaging.
It’s a tricky topic as exercise can be important to keep our bodies and minds healthy. But it is a misconception that all exercise is healthy.
Exercise is unhealthy when it takes on a different role in our lives. It becomes unhealthy when it transforms from self-care and self-improvement into something that begins to harm us.
Exercise should never be a punishment; it should be something you enjoy. But working out excessively, and only doing so for changes to your appearance or weight can have its consequences.
How far is too far?
Eating Disorders Victoria tells us that exercise can be considered excessive if you notice any signs of the following:
- Putting exercise above other important life activities, like work, school, social outings, and sleep.
- Exercising at odd hours and feeling like you can’t stop.
- Engaging in a high volume of exercise daily (from 3+ hours).
- Ignoring sickness or injuries.
- Feeling distressed when you can’t exercise.
Some symptoms of over exercise can be:
- Overuse injuries.
- Tiredness.
- Dehydration.
- Withdrawal symptoms if unable to exercise, such as moodiness, irritability, anxiety and depression.
- Weight loss.
Click here for more warning signs that exercise might be healthy or positive.
As for me, back when I was aged 18 years old, I started working out more to get in better shape, which began as a positive habit. I felt more energetic, confident, and happier. But then as time went on and I started to see results, I started to exercise excessively. It became a vicious cycle: odd workout hours, feeling guilty if I couldn’t work out and pushing my body to its limits became the norm.
I had a become a slave to my exercise routine. My weight-loss became more noticeable, and it took a toll on my physical and mental wellbeing.
This experience was an eye-opener for sure. It has taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with exercise and my body. It’s so important to recognise the signs of exercise taking a toll on your wellbeing and to take a break when you need it.
Here are a few steps that I’ve learnt that can help us strike a balance to make sure exercise is a positive part of your life:
- Set realistic goals: Instead of chasing perfection, set realistic fitness goals. Focus on your overall wellbeing, not what you look like
- Keep it fun: Instead of fixating on one type of exercise, mix it up! Variety keeps things interesting and reduces the risk of it becoming excessive. Move your body for joy, not because you’re trying to change it’s appearance.
- Rest: It’s okay to not exercise every day. Rest helps our body recover and become even stronger. Listen to your body.
- Get help: If you think you have an unhealthy relationship with exercise, don’t go it alone. Share your struggles and feelings with a friend, family member or get professional help.
By sharing my personal experience, I hope to keep the conversation going around exercise, body image and mental wellbeing.
Remember, exercise should enhance your life, not control it.
Written by Butterfly Collective member, Hayley
*If you are in active recovery from an eating disorder, any new exercise regime should first be cleared with your treatment team. You might need to take a break from exercise, and that’s ok. Give yourself permission to rest, be kind to yourself and follow the advice of your healthcare professionals.
Get support
If you are struggling with your relationship to exercise, food or your body, reach out for help as soon as you think something might be wrong. Connect with Butterfly’s National Helpline for free counselling and advice for eating disorders and body image concerns, 7 days a week, 8am-midnight (AEDT).
Call 1800 ED HOPE (1800 33 4673), chat online or email support@butterfly.org.au
Join the Butterfly Collective
If you’re interested in sharing your lived experience of an eating disorder or body image concern like Hayley has here, join Butterfly’s lived experience network the Butterfly Collective.
Learn more
- How to develop a positive relationship with exercise – tips and advice from Butterfly’s prevention team
- Eating disorders in sport and fitness
- Resources for health and fitness professionals – including key steps on what to do if you suspect someone has an eating disorder
