Exercise and Eating Disorder Recovery
When it comes to exercise and movement…
…we believe it is this wonderfully balanced, healthy thing, right? But for a lot of us, it’s… complicated. Maybe you feel like you have to move or else your anxiety will skyrocket. Maybe you mentally calculate every bite of food and match it with a “required” workout. Or maybe you find yourself hitting the gym even when you're sick, exhausted, or, oh—I don’t know—literally injured. Sound familiar?
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If the thought of skipping a workout makes you panic, if you plan your entire day around movement, or if you’re starting to wonder whether your “healthy” habits might not actually be that healthy… then, my friend, this episode is for you.
In this episode, we’re diving into the tangled mess that is our relationship with movement—how it gets tied up with eating disorders, perfectionism, control, and even self-punishment. We’ll also talk about the risks of staying stuck in that mindset and how to start untangling yourself from it, one honest step at a time.
In this episode, I’m talking about:
The complicated relationship many people have with movement, especially in the context of eating disorder recovery.
How movement can become compulsive when used to relieve anxiety, reinforcing the need to exercise in order to manage emotions.
Compensatory exercise, where people use movement to "earn" or "balance out" food intake, which is common in eating disorders.
Key questions to ask yourself to assess your relationship with movement, including how much mental space it takes up and whether it interferes with daily life.
The role of perfectionism and rigidity in driving compulsive exercise, similar to patterns seen in OCD.
How body image concerns and health fears can contribute to over-exercising, sometimes in an orthorexic or punitive way.
The risks of maintaining a complicated relationship with exercise, including physical harm, malnourishment, and reinforcing eating disorder behaviors.
Why eating disorder recovery often requires re-evaluating movement habits, since exercise can be a way to avoid facing deeper fears and anxieties.
Strategies for developing a healthier relationship with movement, such as experimenting with different forms of exercise and focusing on enjoyment rather than obligation.
The importance of flexibility in workout routines, allowing for variation in frequency without guilt or anxiety.
The value of self-reflection in understanding why movement plays a role in your life, including questions about what you're trying to escape or avoid through exercise.
So, if you're ready to challenge some of the rules you’ve set for yourself—or at least start questioning them—hit play and let’s get into it.
Tweetable Quotes
“It wasn’t about enjoying movement—it was about earning my food, controlling my body, and never feeling like I was doing enough.” - Rachelle Heinemann
“At some point, I had to ask myself—am I moving because I love it, or because I’m afraid of what happens if I don’t?” - Rachelle Heinemann
“The truth is, over-exercising isn’t healthy. It’s just another way to punish yourself under the disguise of ‘discipline.’” - Rachelle Heinemann
“Recovery meant redefining movement—not as a requirement, but as something I get to do, not something I have to do.” - Rachelle Heinemann
Resources
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Related Episodes
Episode 97. How to Handle the Hardest Situations (Clinician Series)
Episode 96. What ED People Got Wrong About Science with Dr. A'nna Roby
Episode 53. Teens and Eating Disorders with Danielle Swimm
Episode 52. Eating with Gianna Michalak MS, CNS
Episode 39. Weight Inclusive Endocrinology with Dr. Gregory Dodell
Episode 34. All About Running with Stephanie Roth-Goldberg, LCSW, CEDS-S
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More From Rachelle
Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
I believe in the power of deep work and its positive impact on your life in the long term. Learn more about how we can work together here.
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