Understanding Exercise in Eating Disorder Recovery

Recovering from an eating disorder is specific to each individual. One of the things that many people wonder about is the role exercise should play in recovery. The role of exercise is a complicated subject for many people who are recovering from eating disorders, so this is an important aspect to consider.

Exercise and Recovery

Physical exercise is an important part of taking care of the body. However, exercise can become unhealthy. It’s easy to exercise too heavily or use physical exertion as a means to push one’s body past the point of being healthy. 

Many people exercise for their mental health. However, it’s very possible for working out to become something that has a negative impact on one’s wellness. Too much of any good thing can become bad. It’s important to check in on one’s mental health and body image to ensure one is in a place where exercise can be healthy.

Those in recovery from an eating disorder who want to add exercise to their daily routine should know that it’s possible. To do it from a healthy place, here are some things to keep in mind.

Start Slow

Exercise isn’t always about pushing oneself to the limit. Starting slow is a great way to ease into exercise in a healthy way. Simply going for a walk or doing some gentle yoga are great ways to incorporate some movement into one’s day.

Motivations

When it comes to exercising during eating disorder recovery, it’s important to think about one’s motivations. Is one engaging in physical activity to look a certain way or to feel better and have more energy? Contemplating the whys behind exercising is important. In doing so, one can be sure one is approaching it with a healthy mindset.

Support Teams and Exercise

Those who have a team supporting them through their recovery should make sure their support system is aware of their exercise routine. They can help point one in the right direction and ensure one is not taking it too far. It’s essential to be clear with one’s team and be honest about one’s exercise habits.

Eating disorder recovery is complex and unique to each individual. If you’re looking for mental health support, we’re here to help. Avalon Malibu is a leading mental health services provider, so you can trust that you’ll get the highest quality of care when you choose our services. We understand how challenging eating disorder recovery can be, and our staff is experienced and compassionate about all aspects of recovery. You can reach us by calling (844) 857-5992. We’re happy to share more information with you about our services.