Exercise During Eating Disorder Recovery

Exercise during eating disorder recovery

Movement and exercise, although very important for mental and physical wellbeing, can be a complicated topic while in treatment of an eating disorder. 

What kind of exercise can I do during my eating disorder recovery? 

A common question if you are someone who either grew up in sports, lives a physically active lifestyle, or are seeking to include some movement into your daily life. 

It is important to recognize that the biggest challenge with adding physical activity or movement is receiving the benefits of physical activity without allowing it to trigger relapses during recovery. 

Before deciding to include exercise while in recovery, some important things must be considered before making this decision. Someone’s motive and intention to add exercise to their routine should be monitored in order to avoid this activity  turning into a potentially obsessive coping mechanism. 

However there are many benefits of physical activity  to help assist in recovery including: 

• Ability to better manage emotions 

• Improvement in mood, strength, body-image satisfaction and quality of life.

• Improving mobility 

Things to consider before starting to exercise: 

• Accepting that exercise is not always mandatory 

• Start slow

• Recognize the need for rest

• Proper fuel is essential before, and after exercise sessions

• Exercise at a lower intensity 

Listen to your body. Being able to practice listening to your body’s natural signals to let you know when, and if its a good idea to exercise that day. You may notice signs like tiredness, soreness, headaches, or the effects of stress. Remember to listen to these signs when you may feel like you want to workout, but your body's natural cues will let you know it may need rest. 

So what type of physical activity should I consider during my recovery? 

• Short walks

• Light Yoga

• Stretching

Beginning physical activity at a low intensity  during this time will be important, in addition individuals should be aware of the incidental physical activity they are doing throughout the day (such as cleaning, gardening, running errands) in order to determine the total daily physical activity.

*This blog post was written by our intern Scarlett Bravo*

If you are interested in navigating your relationship with exercise, movement, or schedule an appointment with McKayla Mazziotti MS, RD, LD who specializes in sports nutrition & eating disorders.

Exercise During Eating Disorder Recovery - Movement and exercise, although very important for mental and physical wellbeing, can be a complicated topic while in treatment of an eating disorder. It is important to recognize that the biggest challenge with adding physical activity or movement is receiving the benefits of physical activity without allowing it to trigger relapses during recovery.