Diet Culture has taken movement hostage, but we are here to reclaim it!
There are many people who “work out” was the sole purpose of trying to lose weight.
Can you relate to this?
Chances are if you are reading this blog you are on your journey to reclaim your life back from diet culture AND want to restore your relationship with food and movement?
Let’s dive in!
Movement
DISCLAIMER… we at Find Food FreedomⓇ refer to “exercise” and “working out” as movement. We find that this term is more gentle and encompasses many more things than “working out” does.
We challenge you to try this out!
What is Intuitive Movement?
As you are diving deep into your intentions with food during your intuitive eating journey, you might also look into your intentions with movement. Just as intuitive eating is, embarking on intuitive movement can be extremely difficult. Start with being patient with yourself and giving yourself some kindness.
Intuitive movement is super similar to intuitive eating. When you are moving intuitively, you are listening to your body. Does your body feel like walking? Does your body feel like stretching? Does your body feel like doing nothing at all?
All of these things are perfectly great! The goal of intuitive movement is to let your body and its needs guide you. There is no going to the gym because you “have to” or forcing yourself to get up and go to that 6:00AM pilates class if that just doesn’t sound good. We no longer need to feel guilty for missing a gym day.
You are allowed to rest your body and also move your body when you are listening to it.
Why Do I Move?
If you are like most other people, you were probably taught that the reason we move is to lose weight or change our bodies. We don’t need to do that! But, when we are stuck in that mindset it can be very difficult to move our bodies in a joyful way.
Remember, we do not need to change our bodies, we need to shift our thoughts about our bodies.
Here are some reasons to move your body that have nothing to do with weight: walking to spend time outside, moving to clear your head, to get a change of scenery, to get some much needed alone time, or to take a break from a long day at work.
Taking a Breather with Movement
For many people on their intuitive movement journey, the first step is to stop participating in movement.
“But how am I supposed to learn about intuitive movement if I am not even moving?” you might ask.
Taking a break from movement allows you to listen to your body. It gives you some time off from exercising to uncouple it with changing your body. You may have been intensely “exercising” for years, taking a break allows you to see what your body feels like when it’s not going hard every day for the purpose of changing your body.
When you give your body this time to take a deep breath, it allows you to look inward and really see what it is you and your body like doing. In a couple of weeks your body might start telling you “hey I want to go to yoga” or “I want to walk” or even “I want to lift weights.” You will be able to hear these thoughts better if you first give yourself a break.
If your body doesn’t tell you that it is ready to move, that is okay! All bodies are different and all people are different. Don’t move too quickly. Be intentional and really take the time to listen to your body.
How Do I Move Intuitively?
Just as in intuitive eating, you can’t fuck up intuitive movement! Any movement is an intuitive movement if you are listening to your body.
By that we mean that all movements are equal, no one is better than the other. Whatever movement you genuinely enjoy doing is the one for you! We are no longer moving because we have to, we might choose to move because we want to and we have found what feels good.
Movement is Supposed to be Enjoyable!
The journey to finding movement that is enjoyable to you might not come easily. Continue to listen to your body. Remember you don’t need to feel guilty for not moving or for taking a “rest” day. Once you take a break from movement, your body might tell you exactly what it needs. Listen to it.
If you are reading this and letting go of movement seems super scary, we at Find Food FreedomⓇ totally understand. It is hard to let go of something that was in your life for so long. OR if you have let go of movement and feel lost without working towards the goal to change your body, that is okay! You can’t break a habit or change a mindset overnight. Give yourself grace and be patient with the process.
If this post really resonated with you or you are considering taking a break from movement, we think you would also enjoy our podcast episode “What is Intuitive Movement?” Click here to check it out!
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