Can I start exercising again?”
That is a question we hear a lot in our work with our patients.
How do you know when the body, mind, and nutrition are all aligned to begin — and when is it truly safe?
Below are some criteria to ask yourself before adding in exercise. Note: we always recommend that these decisions are discussed with the entire treatment team.
Things to consider:
✅ Are you medically stable?
✅ Are you gaining weight, if needed?
✅ Are you consistently following your meal plan?
✅ Can you add extra food and fluids to support movement?
✅ Can you stick to limitations without exceeding them?
When movement is added back in, it’s best to ease in slowly and gradually (at lower intensity and shorter durations to start). This gives us the chance to make sure weight and vital signs continue to be in a good place — and that nutrition can keep pace with the body’s added demands. It’s also important to include rest days! Rest days are important for anyone engaging in a movement routine. Find out why here.
Exercise isn’t just about being “cleared” — it’s about being ready. Recovery movement should feel gentle, non-compulsive, and paired with enough food and rest to support the body’s needs. For more about characteristics of what constitutes “balanced” vs.“ unbalanced movement, you may wish to check out this article entitled, “When Exercise Turns Compulsive.”
