The Implications of Exercising to Feel Good vs. Exercising to Look Good

Written by Katie Butler

I have complicated emotions regarding fitness. Yes, I think exercise is important and beneficial to everyone, mentally & physically... but I also don’t think that someone’s inactivity, for any reason, makes them less worthy than someone who is regularly active. 

The role of fitness in my life

For some folks, fitness is a main part of their lifestyle. For me, fitness sometimes plays a “bigger” role in my life, and sometimes it doesn’t - and that’s okay with me. 

Throughout my journey (as a person—contrary to what the media tells us, we have many other journeys in life besides our “fitness journeys” ), I’ve started to feel hesitant about posting pictures/videos of myself working out or flexin’ for the gram.

Why?

Because I have started to adopt the mentality that exercise should be about wanting to FEEL good.

Not only does this way of thinking remove the pressure to conform to society’s ridiculous standards for how my body “should“ look if I choose to move my body, but it has also helped me develop a greater sense of appreciation for my body and what it can do. 

In the past couple of years, I’ve tried my best to stop commenting on other peoples’ bodies—in person & online. 

A key lesson that I’ve learned is that we won’t always know the reason(s) behind why someone looks the way that they do. Their appearance could be a reflection of a struggle with mental illness, physical illness, a lack of resources, or none of the above. The bottom line is this: physical appearance only tells one facet of a complex story. 

---

Considering another perspective

As I continue to learn and grow as a body image advocate, I have begun to consider another perspective that has recently been brought to my attention: what about those times when we do want to exercise to look good? Is it okay to feel that way? And when is it appropriate to praise someone for their fitness goals, without sounding superficial? 

I definitely don’t have the answers, but I would like to invite everyone to consider the following questions with me...

• As a potential commenter: 

  • What is your intention behind commenting on this person’s appearance? What are you revealing about your own perception of beauty by commenting?

  • Are you commenting with the intention of showing care and happiness for this person’s well-being? 

  • What do you know about this person’s history with eating and body image that can inform you about the impact of your comments?

• As a person working out to LOOK good: 

  • Are you allowing your ability to achieve a certain appearance standard to impact your overall mood or sense of worth? Are you able to detach your appearance with your overall sense of self (e.g., do you consider your ability to perform well at school or work/make friends/be a genuine person to be linked with what you look like)? 

  • How would it feel if you were never able to reach your goals? Could you give up on your appearance goals if your health - physical, mental, emotional, and social - were to be compromised?

I hope that this post has helped someone gain some clarity on the subject of exercising to feel good versus exercising to look good. If not, then maybe it’s introduced a new perspective to someone who hasn’t previously considered these points. 

Bottom line: You all are wonderful, inside & out! :) 

About Katie

Katie was one of our previous Banter-bassadors and is a recent graduate from Belmont University in Nashville, TN. Since middle school, she has struggled with poor body image and disordered eating. Only recently has she begun making significant strides towards healing. Throughout this journey, she has become very passionate about learning, understanding & educating health as it pertains to food, self-perception, exercise, and cultural influence. This space will serve as a reflective and artistic outlet, for herself and others, in hopes of reaching anyone who may need it.

“I Banter because everybody and every body deserves healing. I believe that by sharing our experiences, we can become more empathetic, compassionate, and stronger individuals.”