Intuitive physical exercise: gender differences and impact on positive body image and intuitive eating

Practicing physical activity contributes to good health. It is important to regulate the level of physical activity according to what an individual can manage. The intuitive exercise involves listening to one's bodily cues and being aware of the senses while moving to guide decisions on when to start and stop exercise, rather than forcing oneself to adhere to a rigid program (Reel et al., 2016). Practicing physical exercise intuitively can have a positive impact on body image. The aims of the present study are to examine 1) gender differences in intuitive exercise, 2) and the relationship between intuitive exercise, positive body image and intuitive eating in the general population. An online survey composed of questionnaires about intuitive exercise (Intuitive Exercise Scale, IEXS) and positive body image (Functionality Appreciation Scale, FAS; Body Appreciation Scale-2, BAS-2; Intuitive Eating Scale-2, IES2) was administered to 1260 individuals (Mage = 43.6 ± 12.7, range= 20 – 76; þmale= 54.2). Results showed significant gender differences with women scoring higher than men in the IEXS subscales of exercise rigidity (p = .003) and mindful exercise (p = .004). Regression analyses showed that the BAS-2 (R2 adj= .13) and the FAS (R2 adj= .10) scores significantly increased with the increase of IEXS subscales of body trust (respectively, p = .001 and p < .001) and decreased with the increase of exercise rigidity (both ps < .001). Total IES-2 scores (R2 adj= .19) significantly increased with the increase of body trust (p < .001) and decreased with the increase of emotional exercise and exercise rigidity (both ps < .001). It also tested whether intuitive exercise has a different effect on positive body image and intuitive eating depending on gender. No significant interaction was found. These results suggest that women engage in less various exercise protocols, but they are more aware of cues deriving from their body on when to stop exercising compared to men. Moreover, positive body image and adaptive eating styles (i.e., intuitive eating) seem to be promoted by relying on bodily cues to guide one’s own exercise type, frequency, and intensity (i.e., body trust). Conversely, positive body image and intuitive eating are negatively affected by engagement in various exercise protocols and the practice of exercise to manage negative emotions.