Ep. 11 Eating disorders, exercise dependence, and identity: The blurred lines between being an athlete and being exercise-dependent

It was such a pleasure talking to Rebecca about such an important topic. Rebecca Schumer received her bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in exercise science and physical therapy, respectively, from The George Washington University, where she played soccer and softball at the Division I level. Since then, she has honed her skills as a sports physical therapist who loves to treat athletes and get them back to playing their sport. Given her passion about spreading the word about injury risk reduction and treating the patient as a whole, she presents on the topic in the community and performs injury screens for athletes in a variety of sports. Rebecca is a driven, committed clinician who has walked the walk with her own injuries, but brings that experience and her expertise to optimize the healing journey. (1:00) Rebecca's story (3:30) Kelly's story (7:01) Recognizing exercise as an unhealthy obsession (8:32) Social impacts of exercise dependence (9:50) Perspective and mindset of living with exercise dependence, identity (15:37) Pivotal point of healing (20:20) Looking back on past experiences, perfectionism, and constantly raising the bar on exercises standards (26:46) Re-prioritizing passions and goals, sense of purpose (32:10) Shifting mindset toward growth, healing, and progress (38:38) Recognizing subconscious messages (40:56) Eating disorders and exercise dependence and how they impact the nervous system (46:45) Achieving self-acceptance Connect with Rebecca: https://www.medstarhealth.org/services/sports-medicine/rebecca-schumer Instagram: @becsphysio Connect with Kelly: https://www.optimalyouhealthandwellness.com Instagram: @drkellykessler TikTok @drkellykessler Facebook: www.facebook.com/optimalyouhealthwellness