Anika’s Story: From Compulsive Workouts to Joyful Movement
Anika came to us feeling overwhelmed by her rigid workout schedule. She was constantly tired and felt anxious on days she didn’t exercise. She asked herself a question many others have asked: “Do I have an eating disorder?” She didn’t know for sure but realized her relationship with exercise didn’t feel right.
Anika made a brave choice, she began to take rest days and reduced how often she worked out. At first, it felt strange and even scary. But over time, she began to notice something: she had more energy. She laughed more. She slept better. She didn’t dread movement anymore but instead, she looked forward to it.
She discovered intuitive exercise and began practicing movement based on how her body felt, not what it should do. Slowly but surely, her mindset began to shift. She started walking outside because it cleared her mind—not because it burned calories. She danced in her kitchen for fun. She even tried gentle yoga, something she never thought she’d enjoy.
Today, Anika sees movement as something that supports her—not something that controls her. Her story is a powerful reminder: healing from an eating disorder is possible, and exercise can become something you love again.
What Is Intuitive Exercise and Why Is It Important?
Intuitive exercise means listening to your body’s cues and moving in ways that feel supportive: physically, emotionally, and mentally. This might mean doing a short walk, dancing, stretching, or skipping movement altogether if your body needs rest.
Instead of following strict rules or schedules, intuitive exercise is about flexibility and self-awareness. It strengthens the mind-body connection, allowing you to recognize your energy levels, emotions, and physical needs in real-time. This is especially helpful for people recovering from disordered eating, anorexia, or compulsive exercise patterns.
When practiced regularly, intuitive movement can positively influence other areas of your life; like recognizing hunger and fullness cues, honoring your need for rest, or noticing when you crave connection or quiet.
This approach often complements eating disorder treatment, helping clients make peace with both food and movement.
The Impact of Diet Culture on Exercise
Unfortunately, diet culture often promotes harmful ideas like “no pain, no gain” or “earning your food.” These messages are everywhere: in gyms, online, and even in group fitness classes.
They disconnect us from our bodies, making us feel guilty for resting or eating. Over time, this can lead to burnout, injury, or even eating disorders. These messages can also make us think we have to move a certain way to be worthy or healthy—which simply isn’t true.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Exercise
If you’re not sure whether to exercise on a certain day, try asking yourself:
- Am I properly nourished?
- Am I exercising because I value or punish my body?
- Would I still do this exercise if it didn’t change the way I looked?
- Am I skipping something important, like rest or connection, to work out?
- Does this align with my values right now?
These questions help guide you back to mindful, body-led choices—especially if you’re healing from an eating disorder such as anorexia, or bulimia, or have compulsive exercise habits.
What Is Gentle Movement?
Gentle movement is all about choosing an intentional, enjoyable movement that feels kind to your body. It reminds us that our needs and abilities fluctuate, and that’s normal.
Rest is not failure—it’s necessary for healing and balance. The gentle movement might look like this:
- Taking a walk instead of running
- Using resistance bands instead of heavyweights
- Practicing yin or restorative yoga
- Dancing freely in your room
- Playing with your dog
This type of movement is especially useful for those healing from anorexia or other disordered behaviors. It helps rebuild trust in your body and often plays a key role in eating disorder treatment.
Moving Forward
Intuitive exercise is a practice—not a destination. It takes time to unlearn rules, connect with your body, and find joy in movement again. But it is possible.
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Do I have an eating disorder?”, or if you’re struggling with your relationship with movement and food, know this: You are not alone.
There is support. There is hope. And there is healing.
Need Eating Disorder Help?
Our team is here to support you. Whether you’re navigating anorexia recovery, seeking eating disorder treatment, or just want to talk to someone who understands, we’re here to help. Call us at 202-738-4726 or email us at: info@fuelingforrecovery.com.
Written By:
Jessica Francis, Registered Dietitian, in collaboration with Registered Dietitian Jamie Lee
References
- Tribole Evelyn and Resch, Elyse. Intuitive Eating – A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach.
- Galatola, Lina. “Breaking Free From Diet Culture.” Nourish Mind Body Nutrition, 1 Apr. 2019, nourishmindbodynutrition.com.au/2018/04/04/breaking-free-from-diet-culture/.
- Raffoul, Amanda. “Breaking Free from Diet Culture on International No Diet Day.” Waterloo-Wellington Eating Disorders Coalition, Waterloo-Wellington Eating Disorders Coalition, 6 May 2019, www.eatingdisorderscoalition.ca/blog/2019/5/6/breaking-free-from-diet-culture-on-international-no-diet-day.
- Jennings, Kerri-Ann. “A Quick Guide to Intuitive Eating.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 June 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/quick-guide-intuitive-eating#basics.
- Moy, Jordan, et al. “Dieting, exercise, and intuitive eating among early adolescents.” Eating behaviors 14.4 (2013): 529-532.
- Mahtani, Nikhita. “Intuitive Exercise: A Workout Plan Based on How You Feel.” Well Good, 4 Mar. 2019, www.wellandgood.com/workout-plan-intuitive-exercise/.
