Exercise and body image are more closely linked than most people realise, and research backs it up with more than just anecdote. A study looked specifically at whether a single bout of exercise could shift how women with existing body image concerns felt about themselves, and the results were encouraging.
What the study found
Research published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise took 60 women with pre-existing body image concerns and randomly assigned them to one of two groups: one performed 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, while the other sat quietly reading for 30 minutes.
The exercise group showed a significant improvement in their body image afterwards, and that improvement held even after the session had ended, rather than fading immediately. The researchers described this as an improved internal dialogue: a shift toward more positive thoughts and feelings about one’s own body, replacing some of the more negative ones that had been present before exercising.
The study’s lead author noted that everyone has days when they do not feel great about their body, and this research suggests that getting moving is one genuine way to feel better, sometimes almost immediately. The researchers see this as a promising foundation for future body-image focused exercise interventions.
Why this matters beyond the study
It is easy to think of exercise purely in terms of physical outcomes: weight, strength, fitness. This research is a useful reminder that the mental and emotional benefits can show up just as fast, sometimes within a single session, regardless of whether your body has visibly changed at all.
A gentle reminder
If body image is something you struggle with, exercise is one helpful tool, but it is not a substitute for support from a GP or mental health professional if those feelings are persistent or distressing. Reach out for that support if you need it.
Feel the difference for yourself
Whether it is a class, a weights session or time on the cardio floor, one workout can genuinely shift how you feel. Come and experience it at Hammers Gym in Nunawading, minutes from Mitcham, Blackburn, Box Hill and Doncaster, open 24/7. Try a free trial, explore our group fitness classes, or view our membership options.
Reference: Martin Ginis, K.A. and Salci, L.E. (2017). “Acute effects of exercise on women with pre-existing body image concerns: A test of potential mediators.” Psychology of Sport and Exercise, Volume 31, Pages 113–122.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for professional mental health support.