Incorporating Sports into my Recovery
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 245
Incorporating Sports into my Recovery
Hey there everyone,
First of all, I hope that everyone has a wonderful Monday. No logical reason to make out of a Monday a bad day
I have been trying to incorporate sports into my routine. I started playing tennis... more like resuming, I was once very good at it.
I still want to go to the gym, however, I am a heavy chain smoker. It becomes a vicious cycle, I get panic attacks to go to the gym because I know I'm going to run out of breath, but at the same time the lack of routine does not allow me to stop smoking.
I know this sounds really weird, but I get super anxious of going to the gym. Is not much about being judged per se (I could not give less than a F what people think. Is more about I know that I always want instant gratification, and the fact that I have to align it with a diet or healthy eating, makes me SO anxious.
Anyone that has go through this weird sort of anxiety? Any tips on overcoming it?
Enjoy your week guys,
Hope!
First of all, I hope that everyone has a wonderful Monday. No logical reason to make out of a Monday a bad day
I have been trying to incorporate sports into my routine. I started playing tennis... more like resuming, I was once very good at it.
I still want to go to the gym, however, I am a heavy chain smoker. It becomes a vicious cycle, I get panic attacks to go to the gym because I know I'm going to run out of breath, but at the same time the lack of routine does not allow me to stop smoking.
I know this sounds really weird, but I get super anxious of going to the gym. Is not much about being judged per se (I could not give less than a F what people think. Is more about I know that I always want instant gratification, and the fact that I have to align it with a diet or healthy eating, makes me SO anxious.
Anyone that has go through this weird sort of anxiety? Any tips on overcoming it?
Enjoy your week guys,
Hope!
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,442
Not sure what you mean by your lack of routine does not allow you to stop smoking.
You have the power - you can quit whenever you want., Look up quit.com in whatever country you're in
All I can tell you is my lungs thank me every year since I stopped smoking.
Get that lung capacity back and you'll feel less anxious
D
You have the power - you can quit whenever you want., Look up quit.com in whatever country you're in
All I can tell you is my lungs thank me every year since I stopped smoking.
Get that lung capacity back and you'll feel less anxious
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 245
Originally Posted by Dee74 
Not sure what you mean by your lack of routine does not allow you to stop smoking.
You have the power - you can quit whenever you want., Look up quit.com in whatever country you're in
All I can tell you is my lungs thank me every year since I stopped smoking.
Get that lung capacity back and you'll feel less anxious
D
You have the power - you can quit whenever you want., Look up quit.com in whatever country you're in
All I can tell you is my lungs thank me every year since I stopped smoking.
Get that lung capacity back and you'll feel less anxious
D
By the way, you're an inspiration to me man, thanks for doing what you do!
Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Germany
Posts: 210
Hi Hope,
I can't help you with the smoking, but maybe this is a neat alternative to the gym: 1 1/2 years ago I started to do the "Focus T-25"-workouts, each workout takes 25 minutes, each workout is highly effective. If you follow the tempo of that fitness crew, it's fairly demanding, in fact when I started it, my body was shell-shocked. It's cardio training without any breaks, search for "Focus T 25" on Youtube. In case you're interested in, I can give you further input, how the training is structured and so on.
Since your living room is your gym and it lasts just 25 minutes, there's hardly any excuse to skip a workout. You're just going to do it on a daily basis, plus, you'll finally find out, how long 25 minutes are.
In case you're done, there's a backstop in that workout: the lady on the right modifies the exercises slightly, simply follow her.
I can't help you with the smoking, but maybe this is a neat alternative to the gym: 1 1/2 years ago I started to do the "Focus T-25"-workouts, each workout takes 25 minutes, each workout is highly effective. If you follow the tempo of that fitness crew, it's fairly demanding, in fact when I started it, my body was shell-shocked. It's cardio training without any breaks, search for "Focus T 25" on Youtube. In case you're interested in, I can give you further input, how the training is structured and so on.
Since your living room is your gym and it lasts just 25 minutes, there's hardly any excuse to skip a workout. You're just going to do it on a daily basis, plus, you'll finally find out, how long 25 minutes are.
In case you're done, there's a backstop in that workout: the lady on the right modifies the exercises slightly, simply follow her.
Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 3,943
I’ve been going to the same gym for nearly two years. I first went as a 110Kg (243lb) drinker, and sure I felt self conscious. Now I’m 88Kg (194lb), and I don’t reckon I need to have felt self conscious at all. I’m happy to help out newcomers and those carrying a few extra pounds. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I admire newcomers who make the effort.
It never gets easier physically unfortunately. As your fitness improves, you work harder.
A big help is to go to the gym even if you’re feeling nervous or unmotivated on some days. Even a little bit of exercise is better than none and helps maintain fitness levels.
If you can afford it, get a trainer. I now only train with a trainer every three weeks, but that keeps me on my toes and my training plans get changed as needed.
It never gets easier physically unfortunately. As your fitness improves, you work harder.
A big help is to go to the gym even if you’re feeling nervous or unmotivated on some days. Even a little bit of exercise is better than none and helps maintain fitness levels.
If you can afford it, get a trainer. I now only train with a trainer every three weeks, but that keeps me on my toes and my training plans get changed as needed.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 245
Originally Posted by Hodd
I’ve been going to the same gym for nearly two years. I first went as a 110Kg (243lb) drinker, and sure I felt self conscious. Now I’m 88Kg (194lb), and I don’t reckon I need to have felt self conscious at all. I’m happy to help out newcomers and those carrying a few extra pounds. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I admire newcomers who make the effort.
It never gets easier physically unfortunately. As your fitness improves, you work harder.
A big help is to go to the gym even if you’re feeling nervous or unmotivated on some days. Even a little bit of exercise is better than none and helps maintain fitness levels.
If you can afford it, get a trainer. I now only train with a trainer every three weeks, but that keeps me on my toes and my training plans get changed as needed.
It never gets easier physically unfortunately. As your fitness improves, you work harder.
A big help is to go to the gym even if you’re feeling nervous or unmotivated on some days. Even a little bit of exercise is better than none and helps maintain fitness levels.
If you can afford it, get a trainer. I now only train with a trainer every three weeks, but that keeps me on my toes and my training plans get changed as needed.
So, I think I got to do it on my own.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 850
I think maybe you need to shift your focus from getting whatever results you think you want to all the other benefits of working out? Endorphins, mobility, strength, less stress, better sleep, etc.
And, if one type of exercise doesn’t feel good to you, why do it? Only do things that you enjoy and that make you feel good. I feel like exercise should be an enjoyable activity, not a punishment in order to look a certain way.
Once I stopped focusing on results or weight loss and just did stuff I actually enjoy, I found it a lot easier to exercise regularly. And I’m still fat and probably will continue being that way, but it doesn’t matter cuz I’m happy with my habits and routines.
So I would start small. Ease into it and be kind to yourself.
And, if one type of exercise doesn’t feel good to you, why do it? Only do things that you enjoy and that make you feel good. I feel like exercise should be an enjoyable activity, not a punishment in order to look a certain way.
Once I stopped focusing on results or weight loss and just did stuff I actually enjoy, I found it a lot easier to exercise regularly. And I’m still fat and probably will continue being that way, but it doesn’t matter cuz I’m happy with my habits and routines.
So I would start small. Ease into it and be kind to yourself.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,293
Maybe just go to the gym and do a little walking on the treadmill for 15 or 20 minutes at the beginning. Then spend some time in the sauna. That would help to clean out your system of the nicotine, etc. I see a lot of newcomers that do just that. The important thing is to just get used to going until it becomes a habit. Everything else will fall into place after that. John
Blue Belt
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Soberville, USA
Posts: 4,174
I have been working out as hard as I can for over 4 years.
I am not trying to go insane in the gym, just work out hard.
I am not in amazing looking shape, yet. I am way stronger and have more stamina, I just don't look like a Greek God, yet.
I don't diet. I eat what I want responsibly. I pay attention to not over eat.
I am totally med free and what I have found is my brain/body gets endorphins etc from nearly every good thing I do.
When I see a heavy or older weak person in the gym I totally think good on you.
The hardest part of the gym, or life, is dealing with percieved mean/selfish people. I try to be nice, but that doesn't mean I come across all the time as nice.
I just got back from a mini vacation to Disneyworld. It is a sea of awkwardness all day. I had to watch out the whole time the whole way. The closest call I had was the guy at TSA. He was throwing the plastic bins. He seemed to almost want to hit me right in the face with a bin. I flinched, looked at him, and walked away. Scary.
I saw so few people drinking the whole trip. Those that were, did not look happy to me. They looked self absorbed and distracted.
Bottom line. It gets better and better. Time heals.
Thanks.
I am not trying to go insane in the gym, just work out hard.
I am not in amazing looking shape, yet. I am way stronger and have more stamina, I just don't look like a Greek God, yet.
I don't diet. I eat what I want responsibly. I pay attention to not over eat.
I am totally med free and what I have found is my brain/body gets endorphins etc from nearly every good thing I do.
When I see a heavy or older weak person in the gym I totally think good on you.
The hardest part of the gym, or life, is dealing with percieved mean/selfish people. I try to be nice, but that doesn't mean I come across all the time as nice.
I just got back from a mini vacation to Disneyworld. It is a sea of awkwardness all day. I had to watch out the whole time the whole way. The closest call I had was the guy at TSA. He was throwing the plastic bins. He seemed to almost want to hit me right in the face with a bin. I flinched, looked at him, and walked away. Scary.
I saw so few people drinking the whole trip. Those that were, did not look happy to me. They looked self absorbed and distracted.
Bottom line. It gets better and better. Time heals.
Thanks.
Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 3,943
Originally Posted by Hope1989
Getting a trainer was one of my ideas. But they charge 100 euros an hour. Even if I was a billionaire I would not pay for that.
So, I think I got to do it on my own.
So, I think I got to do it on my own.
Having a trainer has made a massive difference.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,065
I quit smoking in December for what I hope is the last time. It has to be, this quit was awful.
If you don't like the gym, don't go. We had a family membership but by the time we drove 20 minutes into town, 20 minutes back, worked out, it was a couple hours gone, time is a commodity through the winter here. My kids are super busy, so I walk while I wait for them. Dance classes parents aren't allowed to watch and to be on the team, the kids do 4 hours of dance a week, 2, kids, 8 hours. Sometimes I come home too. Here there is guided forest bathing, walking/hiking through the forest with guided meditation. I used to play ball, was too busy this year I do a yoga class once a week, sometimes my girls come with me. Dark room, candles, chill, relaxing, but tough still.
Just a few thoughts. The world can be your gym.
If you don't like the gym, don't go. We had a family membership but by the time we drove 20 minutes into town, 20 minutes back, worked out, it was a couple hours gone, time is a commodity through the winter here. My kids are super busy, so I walk while I wait for them. Dance classes parents aren't allowed to watch and to be on the team, the kids do 4 hours of dance a week, 2, kids, 8 hours. Sometimes I come home too. Here there is guided forest bathing, walking/hiking through the forest with guided meditation. I used to play ball, was too busy this year I do a yoga class once a week, sometimes my girls come with me. Dark room, candles, chill, relaxing, but tough still.
Just a few thoughts. The world can be your gym.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 245
Okay so here is the deal and I know it might be a bit weird.
I am not in shape. However, I am far from being fat or obese. Actually, I do not even really look fat. But I mean, my body is really affected to be honest and I really have zero stamina. I look like a healthy person, but I am not.
This makes me a little bit anxious and self-aware, because I will just look like a lazy, weak clue less person
I am not in shape. However, I am far from being fat or obese. Actually, I do not even really look fat. But I mean, my body is really affected to be honest and I really have zero stamina. I look like a healthy person, but I am not.
This makes me a little bit anxious and self-aware, because I will just look like a lazy, weak clue less person
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 850
Hey man, fat =/= unhealthy and vice versa.
We always think other people are looking at us when they're most likely too worried that we are looking at them.
If you're too nervous to go to the gym, why not just go on walks or do some stuff outside? Yoga in your living room or some body weight exercises to get moving. No form of exercise is better than any others as long as you're being safe about it and getting the blood moving.
We always think other people are looking at us when they're most likely too worried that we are looking at them.
If you're too nervous to go to the gym, why not just go on walks or do some stuff outside? Yoga in your living room or some body weight exercises to get moving. No form of exercise is better than any others as long as you're being safe about it and getting the blood moving.
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,504
My suggestion would be to start walking. I began taking long, daily walks in early recovery and I'm still doing it and hope to continue forever. I had no expectations, other than I knew I needed to get out of the house. I was surprised how many benefits came my way. I did get stronger and gain stamina over time. I reconnected with my neighborhood and my neighhbors. My husband often walks with me and this became a great time for conversation.
I had no expectations, other than I knew I needed to get out of the house. I was surprised how many benefits came my way. I did get stronger and gain stamina over time. I reconnected with my neighborhood and my neighhbors. My husband often walks with me and this became a great time for conversation. Member
Join Date: May 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 3,943
Originally Posted by dpac414
If you're too nervous to go to the gym,.
And they might think I’m fit or know what I’m doing. The gym’s still agony to me especially after a week or two off ☹️
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,442
Originally Posted by Hope1989
Okay so here is the deal and I know it might be a bit weird.
I am not in shape. However, I am far from being fat or obese. Actually, I do not even really look fat. But I mean, my body is really affected to be honest and I really have zero stamina. I look like a healthy person, but I am not.
This makes me a little bit anxious and self-aware, because I will just look like a lazy, weak clue less person
I am not in shape. However, I am far from being fat or obese. Actually, I do not even really look fat. But I mean, my body is really affected to be honest and I really have zero stamina. I look like a healthy person, but I am not.
This makes me a little bit anxious and self-aware, because I will just look like a lazy, weak clue less person
6 bursts a day equal 30 mins. You can increase the minutes as you feel better. and eventually hopefully feel less self conscious when you head to the gym
D
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: West Tn
Posts: 3,043
I was in great shape when I was a drunk.
I could run a pretty nice mile time.
I'm twice that age now, but I can still get out there and run, at a vastly reduced pace, for hours at a time.
I don't think that exercise is a substitute for working a recovery plan, but it is a nice enhancement to recovery because it generates some positivity to our lives..
I could run a pretty nice mile time.
I'm twice that age now, but I can still get out there and run, at a vastly reduced pace, for hours at a time.
I don't think that exercise is a substitute for working a recovery plan, but it is a nice enhancement to recovery because it generates some positivity to our lives..
Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Gainesville, Fl
Posts: 435
Originally Posted by SoberCAH
I don't think that exercise is a substitute for working a recovery plan, but it is a nice enhancement to recovery because it generates some positivity to our lives..
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