Fitness Routine – Get the Straight Skinny About Body Image Disorders

Working out and eating a balanced diet are good things to help you lead a healthier, happier life. But when does that become too much? If you are obsessed with weight, working out, and still feel unhappy with your body, you could have a body image disorder.

Find out more about these body image disorders and the importance of consulting with your physician regularly to discuss your overall fitness routine.

Unrealistic Perceptions

Typically, an unrealistic perception of your body indicates a body disorder. A thin person who truly thinks he or she is fat could be facing a body image disorder. Or someone who is muscular and fit who never stops weighing in and working out, to the point of exhaustion or distraction from other daily tasks. It is crucial to consult with a doctor to find out if you have a body image disorder.

Basic Types of Body Image Disorders

There is no substitute for a formal diagnosis from a doctor if you think you or someone you care about has a body image disorder. Consider a few basic types of body disorders to see if they might apply to you or a person you know.

• Body dysmorphic disorder is an obsession with a perceived flaw that causes someone to avoid going out during the day, wear clothing to hide it, or even go fro many surgeries. Examples of body dysmorphic disorders include anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating.
• Body builders and other muscle-bound fitness enthusiasts may experience bigorexia, which is a belief they are not muscular enough or too thin, even though they are fit and muscular.
• Orthorexia occurs when a person wants the healthiest diet possible and become obsessive about avoiding certain foods, which can lead to malnutrition.

Focus on the Benefits of Your Body

Focusing on the benefits of your body can help. Consider all your body can do. Avoid comparing your body to anyone else. Your body is unique and has its own shape and textures. Encourage others who are struggling, rather than describing how fat or unfit they are.

Try to have positive thoughts and images about fitness, body image, and feeling good. Work with a doctor or counselor to help you sort through your feelings and actions about body image.

Have a Positive Workout Plan

Making a plan can help you feel empowered about your fitness routine and body image. Working with a dietitian or other fitness professional can help you get on the right track and achieve balance. The goals are to have a healthy diet that includes the four food groups. This includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and fish, and low-fat dairy.

Drink water to stay hydrated. Include a half hour to an hour of exercise into your day. This should be stretching, muscle building, and aerobic activity. Gauge your progress and diversify your workouts on a treadmill such as the BH Fitness S7TI Treadmill.

Work with a team of professionals to help you develop a healthy fitness routine and feel good about your body.