A recent fitness class highlighted how the phrase "let's work off" can be deeply problematic.. Experts suggest that treating exercise as a way to punish oneself for eating is harmful to both mental and physical health .
The toxic cycle of "working off" Halloween treats
The habit of using exercise to compensate for food consumption often surfaces during high-calorie holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving. According to the report, this mindset frequently appears in fitness settings where instructors make lighthearted jokes about "working off" treats like Sugar Daddys or Dots. While these comments are often intended as humor, they reinforce the idea that movement is a debt to be paid rather than a benefit to be enjoyed.
This pattern is part of a much larger trend of diet culture, where media messaging pushes individuals toward thinner ideals. For many women, this creates a cycle where exercise is no longer about strengthening postpartum muscles or improving cardiovascular health,but rather about managing the guilt of eating. This disconnect dsicredits the actual benefits of movement, such as emotional regulation and social connection, by reframing it as a corrective measure for indulgence.
How moralizing food triggers stress hormones and shame
Treating food as a moral choice—something "good" or "bad"—can have direct physiological consequences. Alyssa Royse, the owner of a local gym, explains that when we moralize food, we trigger dangerous behavior patterns. The psychological shame associated with eating something "unhealthy" can actually lead to physical distress.
Specifically, the stress hormones released during these moments of self-shame can negatively impact the body. As the report notes, Keefe, a fitness expert, points out that shaming yourself for what you ate can lead to physical consequences through these hormone releases. Instead of finding joy in seasonal treats like pumpkin pie, individuals may find themselves trapped in a cycle of anxiety and physiological stress.
Why experts suggest food neutrality over calorie counting
To combat these harmful patterns, many professionals are advocating for a shift toward food neutrality. This approach suggests that food does not need to be an emotional or moral experience; it is simply fuel and pleasure. Alyssa Royse encourages her clients to view their bodies as tools for experiencing joy rather than objects that need to be managed through strict calorie counting.
Mindful eating is another key tool recommended by experts to break the cycle of "mental gymnastics." By paying close attention to how food tastes and listening to natural hunger and fullness cues, individuals can move away from the need to "earn" their meals. This method helps prevent the dangerous trend where clients attempt to preemptively exhaust themselves with exercise to offset upcoming holiday meals, a practice that can lead to declining overall health.
The lack of standardized training for fitness instructors
While some gym owners like Alyssa Royse have implemented rules to prevent trainers from mentioning food in a negative context, the broader fitness industry remains a gray area.. The report does not specify wheher there are formal industry guidelines or certifications that proohibit trainers from using food-shaming language. it remains unclear if the "work off" phrasing is a widespread issue across major commercial gym chains or if it is limited to individual instructor habits.
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