In this episode of the Wellness Diaries podcast, I candidly discusses my past struggle with exercise addiction. I describes how my compulsion to exercise intensely and frequently, despite negative consequences, was fueled by a desire for control and a positive self-image. I shares the severe impacts on her health, including hormonal imbalances and anxiety, and the challenges she faced in recovery, such as confronting her emotions and redefining her identity beyond fitness. Ashleigh's journey highlights the importance of balance and the often-overlooked complexities of exercise addiction.
TIME STAMPS
Exercise Addiction (00:00:00) Description of exercise addiction, its symptoms, and the challenges in recognizing it.
Understanding Exercise Addiction (00:01:13) Definition and symptoms of exercise addiction, including the potential link to obsessive-compulsive disorder and its use as a coping mechanism.
Healthy Relationship with Exercise (00:02:45) The importance of assessing one's relationship with exercise, similarities to food-related issues, and the challenges in recognizing excessive exercise habits.
Early Experience with Exercise (00:05:04) Personal narrative of starting exercise at a young age, body image awareness, and the positive outlet it provided.
Influence of Fitness Community (00:09:05) Influence of fitness influencers, obsession with specific workout routines, and the impact of following competitive fitness advice.
Negative Effects of Excessive Exercise (00:11:16) Negative consequences of excessive exercise, including loss of menstrual period and unhealthy eating behaviors.
Identity and Mental Health (00:15:46) The impact of exercise addiction on identity, mental health struggles, and the fear of gaining weight.
Recovery and Self-Reflection (00:17:54) Struggles with recovery, mental health challenges, and the process of self-reflection during a break from intense exercise.
Gaining Perspective (00:19:05) The emotional and psychological challenges of regaining health, including the discomfort of self-reflection and fear of judgment.
Identity and Fitness (00:20:09) Ashleigh discusses her identity shift from being a heavier kid to a fitness enthusiast and coach.
Recovering from Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (00:21:13) Ashleigh shares her struggle with recognizing herself after overcoming hypothalamic amenorrhea and the challenges of maintaining a healthy mindset.
Resentment and Burnout (00:22:19) Ashleigh talks about her resentment and burnout towards CrossFit, her journey back to enjoying it, and developing a healthy mindset.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationship with Exercise (00:23:16) Ashleigh reflects on signs of an unhealthy relationship with exercise and the importance of assessing whether it adds to or takes away from life.
Seeking Help and Therapy (00:25:23) The importance of seeking help, including therapy, and not suppressing emotions is discussed.
Influencers and Disordered Advice (00:28:40) The impact of following fitness influencers and the danger of consuming disordered fitness and nutrition advice from unreliable sources.
Reflecting on Behavior and Conclusion (00:33:14) The episode concludes with a reflection on the potential transition from healthy to unhealthy habits and the importance of self-reflection.
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