Myth #1 You can’t exercise too much.
Another way of saying this: exercise is a healthy addiction to have. (Only, it’s not). When I worked at an eating disorder treatment center as an exercise therapist, I would hear people say things like, “exercise is a good addiction to have” and “I wish I had that problem.”
Meanwhile, I was sitting over there trying to help someone stop self-destructive behavior. I found it difficult to explain to people, that this is not a healthy addiction to have.
In truth, no one would ever want to have a compulsive exercise problem. Just like no one would ever want to have a drug or alcohol problem*.
The bottom line: you can exercise too much. What we need to look at is rigidity (rules around exercise) and intention (what is the motivating factor and how often are they thinking about movement). For example, there are two people, one exercises daily for 45 minutes the other exercises 30-60 minutes 3-5 days per week. Neither of these amounts are too much just by looking at the numbers.
What we don’t know is the person who exercises 45 minutes everyday is extremely rigid about the type of exercise she does and she also doesn’t “count” other movement in her day because it doesn’t fall into her beliefs about exercise. She spends most of her waking hours consumed with thoughts about exercise.
This is how we can start to tease apart a healthy relationship vs. an unhealthy relationship.
*Folks are genetically predisposed to developing eating disorders, compulsive exercise problems, drug addictions and alcohol addictions. No one chooses them. At least not consciously. These issues, although very common, are not easy to overcome and no one would wish to have a problem like this if they knew what it actually involved. (End rant).
Myth #2 You can determine someones health based on their appearance.
You cannot determine someone’s health based on their body size or appearance. Health is not equivalent to appearance. True health is based on how one feels inside and out: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Someone who looks “fit” or “thin” isn’t necessarily “healthy.” For example, bikini models are often mentally unwell, they binge at night and they loose their periods. Does that sound healthy? Nope.
Myth #3 Everyone should exercise the same amount and/or follow CDC exercise guidelines.
As a personal trainer and someone who struggled with compulsive exercise, I take issue with general exercise recommendations because not everyone “needs” to exercise 150 minutes per week.
Some people need to rest for weeks or months because if they didn’t they would severely hurt themselves or die (yes, I’m being extreme, you’re welcome). If someone has a genetic predisposition to developing an eating disorder or a compulsive relationship with exercise, this type of recommendation could be taken to an extreme.
Myth #4 Exercise improves your mood.
If used in a healthy manner, exercise does not always improve your mood. And if it does, it will not improve it indefinitely. Unfortunately you have to do it over and over and over again and you might even need to up the dosage so that you feel that higher hit of endorphins.
If you get stuck in a cycle like this with exercise it can become addictive quite easily especially if there’s an underlying genetic predisposition.
The truth is exercise and movement do release chemicals in the brain that cause us to “feel good.” However, relying on exercise as your sole emotional uplift can lead to a dependence and ultimately compulsive exercise.
For instance, how do you feel on the days that you don’t exercise? How do you manage your emotions besides daily exercise?
Myth #5 Engaging in regular exercise means you’re not lazy.
From my perspective, our culture is becoming increasingly obsessed with being fit, staying active, and losing weight. I think this is the result of taking something inherently good and going to an extreme with it.
Exercise should be fun. It should feel good when you’re doing it. It shouldn’t be something you do so you don’t feel lazy. Rest is a very important part of overall health. If you exercise regularly it doesn’t mean you’re not lazy, it just means you exercise regularly. 😉
Your motivation to exercise should never be based on “how other people will perceive you.” I want to emphasize this:
Movement should be fun, flexible, and oftentimes, involve others.
There are so many myths about exercise! Which ones do you know or feel passionate about? Leave me a comment below.
Are you struggling with compulsive exercise? Please take this Compulsive Exercise Quiz.
If you haven’t done so already, please consider nervous system coaching and/or wellness coaching to support a positive relationship with exercise.
In wellness,
Tara
In my late teens, early twenties (I’m in my 30s now) I also suffered from disordered eating and bulimia though never to the point of hospitalization because it was supported by most of my circle of friends and family (I didn’t live at home at the time so it was “easier”. ) I think most of us who have gone through or are going through this just KNOW if our relationship to food/exercise/our body is healthy or not. We are also very good at avoiding reality and letting it slide downhill fairly quickly. But in my experience, someone who has an unhealthy relationship may not necessarily be able to pick out the moment it became a issue but often they will know if asked to reflect upon it, if they have a problem.
A good example would be… my current situation. I know I have a problem, although I am not medically sick, I will eventually need to bring it up with my therapist if this continues. But I am happy for now pretending it does not exist… 🙁
Thank you for sharing! Any amount of suffering is reason to reach out, and seek support. Our problems are reminders to dive deeper into our healing. Sending support and peace your way!