Gym culture and eating disorder prevention and recovery.

First Steps ED is a multi-award winning charity bringing hope, opportunities and choices to lives impacted by mental health and eating disorders.

First Steps ED

How does gym culture need to change to promote eating disorder prevention and recovery?

Eating disorders occur in people of all ages, genders and backgrounds, including those who are regarded by society as being extremely fit and &#x27;healthy&#x27;. With the rise of social media and the popularity of fitness communities online, individuals are increasingly exposed to new pressures to conform to the body ideals we see online, as well as compete with the latest fitness challenges. It is important we tackle the subject of physical activity, sports and gym culture so we can begin to understand what role it plays on influencing body perception, dissatisfaction and the risk it holds for an individual developing serious mental health difficulties.[Please note: this session will be recorded for educational purposes to extend the impact of these discussions and help inform future projects and resources.]

We'll be joined by:OUR HOST! George Mycock is the Founder of MyoMinds, a mental health organisation working to improve understanding and awareness of the mental health of exercisers. George is also a PhD candidate at the University of Worcester, where he is studying muscularity oriented psychosocial issues (muscle dysmorphia, etc) in men, something he has his own lived experience with.Dr Christian Edwards is a Principal Lecturer at the University of Worcester, where he leads the 'Gender, Identity, and the Body' theme of the Inclusive Sport and Physical Activity Research Group. The primary focus of his research is on the antecedents and consequences of muscularity-orientated body image and related preoccupations. He has published in, and reviews for, leading international academic journals in this field. In much of his research, Christian employs narrative methodologies to expose the key events and perceived personal, social, and cultural processes that individuals believe have led them to become preoccupied with building muscle. In his current work, he is exploring the life histories of male gym-goers and bodybuilders who use anabolic-androgenic steroids. His published work can be viewed here.Anna Paterson has worked as a physiotherapist in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board since 2000 where the majority of her career has been as a community children’s physiotherapist. This has included working in the CAMHS service with the eating disorder team for approximately 18 years. More recently Anna has also started working with the adult eating disorder team. Her role is to look at the exercise beliefs and behaviours of the service users and provide education and advice as well as addressing any physical musculoskeletal concerns linked to their eating disorder. Anna is a member of the Physiotherapists in eating disorders, special interest group. Outside of work, Anna is an athletics coach for a local club, coaching 11-18 year olds in multi-events and she is passionate about ensuring an environment that is positive and empowering for all young people.James Downs is a mental health campaigner, peer researcher and expert by experience in eating disorders. He holds various roles at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, NHS England, and a number of Universities and charities, all of which focus on developing collaboration across a range of professional and personal perspectives. James is also an Associate Lecturer with the Open University, represents various UK mental health charities, and is a yoga and barre teacher. He has written extensively about his own experiences with the hope that those who read his work find comfort, affirmation and hope.Zoe Burnett is a senior specialist support officer and school lead at First steps ED, working on the frontline with young people, as well as delivering body image workshops to schools across the Midlands. Alongside her work with First Steps ED, Zoe continued her mental health advocacy as an 'expert by experience' and multi-award-winning international public speaker with a bestselling book. Zoe works closely with universities and other professionals to deliver talks and workshops, including Lincoln medical school.

Gym culture and eating disorder prevention and recovery.

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