43. Paul Johnson, Simone Biles, and the Spectrum of Self Centered Fitness

How do you determine when exercise as a coping mechanism is helping you self center or if its self abandonment? Through the story of ultramarathoner Paul Johnson, who ran across the United States to bring visibility to mental health struggles, and Simone Biles, who stepped back from the Olympics to protect her wellbeing, we see how different choices can both be acts of self centering. Katie also reflects on her own experiences of using fitness to cope through difficult seasons and when it became grounding versus when it became avoidance. Listeners will leave with practical insights to reflect on their own habits and recognize whether their approach to fitness is aligned with their needs, values, and current season of life.YOU WILL LEARN:How to tell if your workouts are serving you or draining you. You’ll learn practical reflection questions that help you check whether your fitness routine is aligning with your needs or pulling you away from yourselfWhy two athletes made opposite choices and both found healing. Paul Johnson used ultramarathon running to process his struggles, while Simone Biles stepped back from competition to protect her wellbeing. Their stories show that there is no one right answerWhat role seasons of life play in your fitness choices. You will see how the same routine can be supportive in one season but harmful in another, and why flexibility matters in deciding when to push and when to restHow to build a balanced toolbox for coping. You’ll learn why fitness works best when paired with other supports like therapy, community, and rest rather than being your only outletRESOURCES:E39: Exercise and Mental HealthLove the show? A quick rating or review helps us so much!New episodes every Tuesday – hit subscribe so you don’t miss out.Follow us on IG: selfcentered.podThoughts, questions, or episode ideas? Email us: [email protected]: The Self Centered with Katie and Allie Podcast is intended for entertainment, educational, and reflective purposes only. The views, opinions, experiences, and content shared by the hosts and guests are personal and subjective. They are not presented as objective facts or as representative of any professional body, organization, or field, including psychotherapy, coaching, or personal training.This podcast includes personal reflections on dynamics in various relationships, platonic, family, romantic, and professional. General references to “family,” “an ex,” or “a friend”, for example, are intentionally vague to protect anonymity and do not refer to every individual in those categories. When names are used, they are fictitious, and identifying details are altered. Some information shared is based on research or professional experience, not personal history.The information provided does not constitute medical, mental health, legal, or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with qualified, licensed professionals. Listeners are strongly encouraged to seek the advice and support of appropriate professionals for their own needs.The hosts, guests, and creators of the podcast disclaim all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential loss or damages arising from the use of, reliance on, or interpretation of the podcast content or any linked materials. Use of this podcast and related content is at your own risk. By listening, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.