How To Reframe From A Disordered Exercise Mindset To Body-Neutral Training

What do you think of when you hear the word exercise?

What differs when you think of the word movement instead? 

A lot of times we think of exercise as rigid, hard, or unenjoyable with only certain activities or calories burned “counting.” Especially if you’re recovering from diet culture, thinking about exercise can bring to the surface those old disordered thoughts or feelings. 

Movement tends to have a looser definition and can feel more accessible to us. Just moving your body could be a quick stretch or walk. Taking away the expectations of moving in a way that “counts” gives the freedom to find joy. Finding joy in moving our bodies gives us a better chance of returning to that movement (and increasing our happiness!)

If you’re just starting on your healing journey trying different forms of unstructured movement or taking a break all together is extremely helpful. However, if you do feel in a healthy place with movement this is when training can make a big difference! 

You don’t need to train for a sport, race, or event but rather for whatever specific intention you have.

Some of the reasons my clients train their bodies:

• to get up and down from the floor to play with their kids

• to have better balance and be less prone to falls

• to carry heavy bags of dirt to their garden with ease

• to have more endurance on long hikes

• or even decrease stiffness from sitting at a desk all day (yes, training for sitting!)

Making a mindset shift from “I’m moving to change my body’s appearance” to “I’m moving to increase my ability to do an activity” helps us take a body-neutral approach to structured movement! 

While the definition of movement, exercise, or training may all be similar, the way we think about them can dramatically impact our mindset and therefore our relationship to our bodies and the likelihood of engaging in movement. 

No matter where you are on your journey, give yourself the space and grace to heal whether that means taking a pause from moving, experimenting with new activities, or beginning/returning to a training routine. 

When you’re ready for structured movement again find a body-neutral intention to center yourself around. Be sure to be kind to yourself, especially after time off.

Do what feels good for you, leave the rest, and surround yourself with people who will cheer you on! 🎉🤩 

Interested in a body-neutral joyful approach to moving? Follow @jordanbhealthy_ish for more!