Is My Exercise Healthy?
Much like our relationship with food, we also have a relationship with exercise. We know that physical activity can boost our mood, reduce stress, and improve our overall health. However, at times, exercise can become unhealthy. Whether you’re using it as a means to control your body size or to punish yourself for eating something deemed "forbidden," exercise can turn into a source of stress for both your body and mind, ultimately diminishing its benefits. The true goal of movement should be to engage in activity that comes from a place of internal motivation, free from external pressures. Ideally, exercise should be pursued for the inherent joy and satisfaction it brings, as it aligns with your core values.
So, what does this mean in practical terms? It means that movement should be about doing what feels good and brings you joy—without focusing on the end result. We engage in physical activity because it provides pleasure, not because we’re concerned about how it will affect the number on the scale. The key is to prioritize movement for the joy it brings and to continue doing it because it feels right, rather than for any external outcome.
If your relationship with exercise doesn’t align with this, it may be time to reassess. Taking a break from exercise is perfectly okay and can often be the best way to heal this relationship. Before embarking on the healing journey, we need to be honest with ourselves about our intentions. I personally went through my own process of discovering intuitive eating and finding joyful movement (you can read more on that here). While it takes time, it is absolutely possible. The process begins with self-honesty and bringing awareness to our mindset and emotions surrounding exercise.
Questions to Consider:
When I exercise, am I trying to disassociate from the present moment or the physical movement itself?
Am I working out because I feel guilty for eating or because I’m paying for a gym membership?
Do I exercise as a way to distract myself from uncomfortable emotions?
Does exercise “count” only if it lasts for a certain amount of time or if I break a sweat?
Would I still engage in this activity if it had no effect on my body’s shape or size?
How you answer these questions can reveal whether it's time to take a break from exercise to address any underlying thoughts and emotions. If you find yourself preoccupied with weight or body image, it may be an indication that an eating disorder is at play. If that’s the case, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
If exercise feels tolerable only when you're trying to disconnect from your body, it’s likely not the kind of activity that provides enough internal reward to be sustainable or beneficial. Similarly, if you’re exercising out of guilt, it may not be the best choice for you at the moment. Avoiding black-and-white thinking is key: if you feel compelled to exercise for a specific duration or to break a sweat, this may signal that a break is necessary.
Understanding your motivations for exercise is part of the process of moving toward intuitive eating. Many of the same mindset shifts that we work on in intuitive eating are essential for cultivating a healthier relationship with movement. Since both mindsets are shaped by the diet culture we live in, we must unlearn these harmful principles in order to develop a healthier, more balanced approach to food and movement. You cannot address one without the other.
As you go through your own healing process, you may wonder, “Is it okay for me to do any movement?” The answer largely depends on the individual. For some, it may be appropriate to engage in gentle activities, such as walking or yoga, with a focus on body awareness and how movement feels. For others, it may be beneficial to take a break from intentional exercise altogether. This isn’t forever—just long enough to shift your perspective so that movement becomes an act of self-care and enjoyment, free from any ulterior motives.