Get Moving

I hated moving my body as a child.

I was bullied for most of my childhood, focusing on my differences, and one of those was my size. I think society would class me as fat, and I think that’s okay.

In the meantime, I have been learning to work with my ADHD brain, which in the last year has gotten harder. I kept reading to find answers, and one thing kept coming up: exercise can help regulate ADHD brains.

Research has shown that regular exercise can significantly enhance mood, cognitive function, concentration, and overall quality of life.

At the same time, my GP suggested I try a 10-week programme with a personal trainer, to see if I could help my symptoms whilst I sit on the endless waiting list to try medication.

You have no idea how resistant I was to the idea.

Not because I am lazy, but because of how I worried I would be treated and perceived. Needless to say, weeks of worry were unfounded. Steve, my PT, couldn’t have been easier to work with.

Being shown the ropes with kindness allowed me to be curious about exercise. I don’t love the people at the gym feeling comfortable asking me if I want/am losing weight. But I have learned to avoid the judgmental chatters and can go about my routine in relative peace. I counter the ‘weight-loss vibes’ by listening to Dish podcasts when I weight train, who doesn’t want to hear how to make dauphinoise potatoes whilst doing leg curls?!

A year on, and I am hooked. The reason people say exercise can make you feel good is that it does! I see it as a form of treatment, something I do daily for the benefit it provides.

I now exercise six days a week, less if I don’t feel up to it. I love a spin class; my brain likes the class setting as a motivator. It helps me feel like I have achieved something, and can help reduce the symptoms of executive dysfunction, which I battle daily.

I have learned so much from other people with ADHD, so I thought I would continue that and share how exercise has helped me!