Tia Ainsworth has transformed her relationship with exercise after overcoming anorexia, becoming a fitness coach to empower women struggling with body image issues. At the age of 18, she battled an eating disorder during the Covid-19 lockdown, which left her too frail to engage in physical activity. However, as she regained strength in her recovery journey, she enlisted the help of a personal trainer to shift her perspective on fitness.
Struggling with restrictions and control during the lockdown, Tia felt like she had lost herself and her identity. The lack of social interaction further exacerbated her feelings of helplessness. Determined to make a change, she made the decision to prioritize her physical and mental well-being. With the guidance of her personal trainer, Tia redirected her focus from calorie-burning to building muscle and strength.
After nearly five years of battling anorexia, Tia feels like she has reclaimed her life with a newfound purpose. She emphasizes the importance of exercise for strength, confidence, and overall well-being. As a qualified fitness coach for the past four years, Tia uses her platform on Instagram to share her journey openly, aiming to inspire others to embrace a healthy relationship with fitness. She fundraises for the eating disorder charity Beat, which played a crucial role in her recovery.
Research conducted by Dr. Hester Hockin-Boyers from Durham University highlights the transformative power of weightlifting for women recovering from eating disorders. By shifting the focus from restriction to strength gain, weightlifting helps individuals foster a healthier connection with their bodies. Structured workouts provide a sense of stability and community, aiding in the prevention of obsessive exercise habits. Eating disorder charity Beat acknowledges the complexities of the relationship between exercise and recovery, emphasizing the importance of monitoring signs of unhealthy behavior and seeking professional guidance when necessary
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