Exercise Addiction Testimony
At the weekend I was invited onto Premier Christian Radio here in the UK to share a testimony in the area of body image and exercise addiction.
A number of years ago, I lost just under 30 lbs (around 13 kg) over a ten week period through extreme dieting and exercise. Given that I wasn’t particularly overweight to start with, this was a lot.
In the interview I share about the extreme measures I went to. The rigid ‘rules’ I held myself to regarding food and exercise, and the physical and psychological consequences of this. In particular this feeling that being thin was really important, and of effectively being captive to a prison of rules I had imposed on myself, and the guilt and failure and frustration that set in if I ever deviated from these.
I became a Christian over this time, so I also share about the journey I went on with God in this area. That He is actually interested in every area of our lives, including our body image, where it is that we find our identity, and our health and well-being. I learnt that He desires us to be free in our lives, joyful, at rest in Him, and in the knowledge that we are infinitely precious in His sight, just as we are.
So if you’d like to listen – then just click on this link:
The interview is about 24 minutes long, and it was part of the Saturday morning ‘Big Breakfast Show’ with Rev. Tony Miles on Premier. At the start we chat about mobile phones for a bit because that was the theme on the programme that morning 
If you do get to listen, then do come back and let me know your thoughts. I’d also love to know whether you relate, whether this has ever been a struggle for you, what God has revealed in this area, or generally whether health and fitness is an important focus in your life
Birgit I think it is so wonderful that you are talking about this and the way you are talking about it. Because it is difficult to talk about. I think for women to really be honest about the depth of their insecurity is very difficult. Society not only dictates that we must be attractive, fit, and slim- we also have to be successful and full of self-confidence. And I think for me this type of insecurity is almost something that I believe is our ‘curse’ as women, always hoping to measure up to that ideal of being beautiful and perfect but knowing it can never be attained. But the truth is of course that God wants us to be whole and so we do not have to live with this curse… if only we can grasp our true value. I’m so glad you are getting more opportunities to talk about this, I loved listening to you and it is evident that God has given you a passion for this and I pray God will bring many more chances your way to plant these seeds of truth. God bless you friend, have a lovely weekend:)
Dear Rain, Thanks so much for listening to the interview and for sharing your thoughts. I really related to what you said about the perceived expectations that so many of us as women feel we need to live up to, including the physical ideal. I’ve spoken with so many women (and men) about this, and this pressure seems to be felt by many, of all ages! In some cases, it can become a real snare, and really affect well-being and confidence, as well as health. That’s the reason I feel it’s so important to talk about it in light of our faith, that God is interested in all areas of our lives, and really wants for us to experience peace and wholeness, and as you said here, our true value in His eyes, infinitely precious, and deeply loved.
I so appreciate you taking the time with your input here.
Love Birgit
Hmm, I was privileged enough to listen to the interview live via the internet – first of all, you have a beautiful calling over your life. God loves you and protects you – Love, D