Do you ever wonder about how the fitness industry works?
Have you ever thought about gyms, health clubs, and gyms as an industry?
I love movement. I love that it's always been part of me. Over my life, I’ve been a dancer, cheerleader, fitness class teacher, personal trainer, kickboxer, runner, yogi, yoga instructor, and collegiate rower.
I believe that movement is sacred. I know it in my bones.
In my last blog (SoullessCycle: The Pack and The Pact), I wrote about my mixed experiences at a SoulCycle fitness studio. Over the last two years, I’ve done lots of embodied/somatic research for the book I’m writing about exercise addiction and the fitness industry.
Today’s blog describes my latest SoulCycle visit.
Ten years ago, I tried SoulCycle in New York City. In a dark studio with loud music, I got lost in the crowd for a rhythmic, freeing, and sweaty workout.
I liked the no metrics/no screens method and choreographed workouts, but was less fond of the cliques. I didn't like how SoulCycle promoted their instructors like products–or used celebrities to manufacture a reputation as the newest and coolest place to “trendercise.” Turned off after a few classes, I didn’t go back.
In our past blogs we have voiced our clinical opinions regarding the need for increased screening for disordered eating. Who should be screening? Primary providers such as pediatricians, therapists and dietitians come to mind. In the news this past week it was reported that there is no clear evidence at this time to recommend specific guidelines for or against screening for eating disorders (HealthDay, 2022).
Many of us like to stick to what we know. And while this has its benefits, it also has its downsides as well. Our go-to staple items are simple to make, low stress, and guaranteed to work out. But when we repeat the same meals over and over food tends to get, well... boring. The enjoyment factor decreases and food begins to feel like a chore.
Cooking is a language of love. Whether you are cooking for yourself or for someone else, creating something in the kitchen is an expression of care. The simple and yet powerful act of making food for yourself and taking the time to feed your body has a significant and positive impact on your relationship with yourself. In essence, cooking for yourself is cooking for someone you love-YOU!
As we all adjust to our new COVID-19 normal, sleep patterns have become collateral damage. Our new work -from-home/ stay-at-home schedules amplified by rising anxieties have altered how and when we rest. Some of us may find going to sleep harder or waking up much later because of more time we have on our hands. This disruption can wreak havoc on our mood, brain activity, and regulating hormones that are imperative to food choices and behavior.
Part of learning about the research is to address what we observe. Right now, we are all witnessing how the global pandemic affects us. In addition, we are curious as to how those in our care and the eating disorder population at large are managing their way through COVID-19. Over the past few weeks, there have been several articles out there bringing light to how coronavirus might affect the ED community.
Coronavirus has changed the way we live. We are staying inside, working, eating, and healing all within the confines of our homes. While many of us are blessed to have a safe place to ride out this storm, I would be remiss not to mention the added struggles this presents to those of us in the midst of healing our relationship with food.
Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the media strives to keep the public both well informed and somewhat distracted. There seems to be an interesting balance of news that keeps us updated as well as articles, blogs and social media that weave in ways to stay healthy, stay active, stay busy and stay sane.
