I get angry when I think about how much diet/thin/youth culture harmed my body. I have had episodes of extreme restriction, coupled with extreme exercise. Then at 50, I had to have both hips replaced. It helped me realize how grateful I was to be able to walk without pain --I spontaneously thanked my body every time I took a walk. I embraced the "heath-at-every-size" intuitive eating strategy and finally at 62 I have a healthy relationship with food and exercise. I am fatter than I would have been without all that dieting, but I no longer care what anyone thinks of my body. Biking, hiking, swimming --I love to move my body in these ways and will happily take up space in the world.
"Your routine could just be walking and strength training and, 'Yep, I do this thing for 40 minutes, and it’s just what I do. And then I do it again on Thursday. I don’t love it. I don’t hate it. But I feel better after and I can see the benefits in my life.'"
That stood out to me too, because that’s basically what I do! An hour twice a week of strength training with a personal trainer plus plenty of walking most days. I’m lucky enough to live in a very walkable area and commute by public transit and walking so a lot just through a normal day + additional walking when I get the chance. I love the analogy to brushing my teeth - it doesn’t have to be a big deal, it just is.
I have never been thin, but I have always been a consistent exerciser. I was addicted to running for years, but after an illness gave it up for strength training. Now at 66, I am learning to incorporate mobility training for balance and movement. I love it!
Separating the movement from the scale was liberating for me. It is a hurdle, though, since the prevailing narrative is that if you are a woman, and exercising, of course you are doing it for the aesthetics.
Thank you for such a wonderful conversation!!
I get angry when I think about how much diet/thin/youth culture harmed my body. I have had episodes of extreme restriction, coupled with extreme exercise. Then at 50, I had to have both hips replaced. It helped me realize how grateful I was to be able to walk without pain --I spontaneously thanked my body every time I took a walk. I embraced the "heath-at-every-size" intuitive eating strategy and finally at 62 I have a healthy relationship with food and exercise. I am fatter than I would have been without all that dieting, but I no longer care what anyone thinks of my body. Biking, hiking, swimming --I love to move my body in these ways and will happily take up space in the world.
Cassi, thank you so much for this! This is my GOAL - for all of my patients, and frankly for myself. It's hard work, but it's worth it. <3
"Your routine could just be walking and strength training and, 'Yep, I do this thing for 40 minutes, and it’s just what I do. And then I do it again on Thursday. I don’t love it. I don’t hate it. But I feel better after and I can see the benefits in my life.'"
YES!!!
That stood out to me too, because that’s basically what I do! An hour twice a week of strength training with a personal trainer plus plenty of walking most days. I’m lucky enough to live in a very walkable area and commute by public transit and walking so a lot just through a normal day + additional walking when I get the chance. I love the analogy to brushing my teeth - it doesn’t have to be a big deal, it just is.
Yes. And your point is an important one - the ability to move our bodies regularly is related to safe, well-designed spaces to do so!
I have never been thin, but I have always been a consistent exerciser. I was addicted to running for years, but after an illness gave it up for strength training. Now at 66, I am learning to incorporate mobility training for balance and movement. I love it!
Separating the movement from the scale was liberating for me. It is a hurdle, though, since the prevailing narrative is that if you are a woman, and exercising, of course you are doing it for the aesthetics.
💯