Embracing Movement on Our Own TermsIn a recent enlightening discussion with hosts Nina Manolson and Jennie Kramer, guest RagenChastain shares her experience with the often-complex relationship with movement. This conversation sheds light on how societal pressures and diet culture have influenced our views on exercise and body movement.The Influence of Diet Culture on MovementRagen highlights the profound impact of diet culture on our perception of exercise. From a young age, we are taught to view movement as a preventative measure or punishment for weight gain, rather than a source of joy and well-being. She explains:“Diet culture starts so early... If from two years old you learn that movement isprevention of or punishment for being fat, there's no way to develop any kindof authentic relationship with fitness or movement" Shifting Perspectives on MovementBoth Nina and Ragen emphasize the need to redefine our approach to movement. Instead ofviewing it as a duty or punishment, they advocate for finding activities that genuinely bring pleasure and enhance our lives. Nina recounts an interaction with a client who was surprised by the idea that choosing enjoyable activities was an option to consider. Ragen adds thatmovement doesn’t need to be extensive or painful to be beneficial. Even small amounts of activity can have positive health effects, dispelling the myth that more intense exercise is always better.Health at Every Size and Medical AdvocacyRagen’s journey towards advocating for Health at Every Size (HAES) was driven by herrealization that long-term weight loss is rarely sustainable and often harmful. She stresses that health should not be seen as a moral obligation or a measure of worthiness, but as a personal and individualized goal.  The conversation also touched on the importance of systemic change in healthcare toaccommodate all body sizes. Ragen points out the structural weight stigma in medical settings and stresses the need for inclusive healthcare practices. This shows up in all sorts of other parts of life as well. Jennie highlights this happens when we fly and the unkind way that things like smaller seats and seat-belt extenders impact us. Ragen explains how she handles that and highlights her privilege and shares why she chooses to be an advocate for herself and others.What can you do? Remember that movement should be enjoyable and tailored to individual preferences.Diet culture’s influence on exercise can be harmful and needs to be challenged.Health at Every Size promotes a weight-neutral approach to well-being.Systemic change is needed in healthcare to address structural weight stigma.·        Be an advocate for yourself, ask for the support you need from your healthcarepractitioner.Resources: Connect with Ragan InstagramNewsletter – Weight and HealthcareMonthly Workshops and ArticlesHealth Sheet Library⁠Connect with Nina and Jennie⁠Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ⁠ads.spotify.com. ⁠

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