Rethinking Your Relationship with Movement in the New Year
Written by Tiffany Lepa, NCC, LPC-Associate
With the New Year on the horizon, we can expect a flood of messaging around new fitness routines, gym memberships, diets, and promises of “losing the weight for good!” Have you ever wondered why this cycle persists over and over again? It’s because diets don’t work, and extreme rigidity around exercise based in shame sets us up for failure. We would like to introduce to you a new way of framing exercise, intuitive movement!
Much like intuitive eating, intuitive movement (or sometimes known as joyful movement or intentional movement) is based in mindfulness, listening to our body’s needs, and flexibility. Intuitive movement is not based on punishment, shame, weight loss, or what you “should” be doing, but rather the benefits of movement that go beyond modifying our bodies.
How do I rethink my relationship with movement? Read along for tips from an eating disorder therapist!
#1: Think about your why + your current relationship with movement.
What is your current narrative around movement? Why do you exercise? Do you actually enjoy it? What do you currently see as the benefits? Weight loss? Are you thinking about calories while you’re exercising? Has your relationship with movement shifted into compulsive exercise? Do you feel guilty when you don’t work out? Do you allow yourself to take rest days? Are you working out even though you have an injury? Do you miss out on socializing because you feel like you need to go to the gym? Does movement feel like a chore or punishment? Are there certain workouts that you deem “superior” to others? Like you have to sweat or no pain, no gain? If you can’t exercise, do you fear gaining weight or your body changing? If any of these resonate with you, it may be time to rethink your relationship with movement.
#2: Consider other benefits of movement + reframe its value.
Movement has so many benefits! These include improved sleep, improved cognitive function, cardiovascular health, bone strength, increased energy and stamina, improved mood, stress relief, mobility, flexibility, and balance. You don’t have to “go hard” for movement to “count”. All forms of movement count! Here’s a list to help you start shifting your mindset about what movement includes: yoga, stretching, walking your dog, nature walks, jogging, pilates, restorative yoga, gardening, hiking, swimming, rock climbing, dancing around the house, pickleball, roller skating, kayaking, household chores, and so on. Get curious about what you enjoyed doing as a child or how movement can incorporate your values. For example, if you value connection, maybe a gentle stroll with a friend while catching up makes sense!
#3: Practice flexibility, not rigidity.
Rigidity primes us for shame and allows for our inner critics to take center stage. Movement can be unstructured, bring you joy, and make both your body and mind feel good! Ditch the fitness tracker, hyper-focusing on calories burned, being strict about step goals, and any rules like strength training x days per week and cardio x times a week. Listen to what your body is needing instead. Some weeks you might need more rest days, other weeks you might have more energy. Our bodies aren’t machines, so we can’t predict what movement will feel best very far in advance. A flexible mindset allows us to be more gentle with ourselves and more likely to be intuitive with movement.
#4: Connect with your body + mind.
Consider how you’re feeling before, during, and after moving. How does the movement make you feel physically? How does it impact you mentally? What thoughts are you having about yourself? Are you listening to your body when you need rest or pushing through? Are you taking breaks for water? If you’re feeling hungry, are you allowing yourself to eat beforehand? If you’re feeling tired, are you letting yourself rest? Notice what feels good and what doesn’t feel good. Did the yoga instructor’s suggestion actually bring pain to your leg? Did you allow yourself to not go as deep into the stretch? What do you actually enjoy? Are you hating every minute of running or HIIT workouts? Does strength training make you feel strong and good about yourself? Our bodies are SO wise, even though our society and diet culture teaches us to ignore them. Both intuitive eating and intuitive movement allow us to foster trust in our bodies and in ourselves leading to higher self-worth, self-trust, and self-esteem.
Are you interested in learning more about intuitive movement? Check out Autonomy’s founder + CEO, Kim’s Intuitive Movement Masterclass to dispel diet myths and reflect more deeply on your relationship with movement. You can also download our free Essential Guide to Enjoying Exercise!
Are you ready to start rethinking your relationship with movement, disordered eating, compulsive exercise, or body image? Our compassionate TEAM OF EATING DISORDER THERAPISTS is ready to work with you virtually across the state of Texas or in person in our office located in North Austin. Fill out a CONTACT FORM or SCHEDULE A CALL with our client care coordinator to get started!
