Exercise while getting sober?
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Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 2
Exercise while getting sober?
Hi all,
I'm new here, haven't had a drink since yesterday. I used to drink about a fifth every day, and knew I needed to stop. I tapered down with a strict schedule of timing and amount of beers, and have managed to avoid almost all the withdrawal symptoms, thank goodness. I've still got stomach issues and whatnot but I'm working on fixing them.
I went for a mile and a half walk today with my boyfriend and was okay, but I usually work out a lot more, and now that it's getting warmer I've got the itch to go running outside again! My question is, to others who have been at this point, did you exercise? Is it safe to go for a run?
Thanks so much, and happy to be here!!!
I'm new here, haven't had a drink since yesterday. I used to drink about a fifth every day, and knew I needed to stop. I tapered down with a strict schedule of timing and amount of beers, and have managed to avoid almost all the withdrawal symptoms, thank goodness. I've still got stomach issues and whatnot but I'm working on fixing them.
I went for a mile and a half walk today with my boyfriend and was okay, but I usually work out a lot more, and now that it's getting warmer I've got the itch to go running outside again! My question is, to others who have been at this point, did you exercise? Is it safe to go for a run?
Thanks so much, and happy to be here!!!
Hi, RazeTaciturn. I don't see any reason to not exercise if you're not going through withdrawals. As soon as I started to feel better after quitting (3 or 4 days) I started exercising daily. Gives me something to focus on every day besides not drinking.
Just listen to your body. If it feels like you're pushing too hard, slow it down. Otherwise, I'd say just get after it!
Welcome to the forum!
Just listen to your body. If it feels like you're pushing too hard, slow it down. Otherwise, I'd say just get after it!
Welcome to the forum!
When I got sober I started walking my dogs more. I had neglected to walk them enough due to being either too drunk or too sick. In early sobriety I walked them any time I had a bad craving to drink. (they got a lot of walks for a while there)
Now our daily walks are a regular thing (winter weather permitting, that is) and I look forward to our walks. I feel better and sleep better because of our regular walking. Not to mention, the dogs really enjoy checking their peemail.
Now our daily walks are a regular thing (winter weather permitting, that is) and I look forward to our walks. I feel better and sleep better because of our regular walking. Not to mention, the dogs really enjoy checking their peemail.
Hi there. I am a runner. I run most days and I find I greatly miss it when I can't. Withdrawal is hell on your body. Maybe keep it to walking for a week or two until your body settles a bit. You can always increase the pace a bit if you are wanting to push it a bit. I use a heart rate monitor and make sure I keep my HB within a safe range. Take it easy!
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Hi RazeTaciturn, great job on tapering and getting through what sounds like the worst of it. Exercise can be a savior. Depending on your age, I would likely walk for a week, then kick it up to a run to be safe. As always, if concerned, go see the doc.
Hi Raze, intense exercise is the only time right now that I can really get drinking or not-drinking/recovery out my mind. For me, it breaks the cycle of obsessive thinking. Do you know what I mean? I guess I'm saying exercise gives me reprieve.
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Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Michigan
Posts: 42
I agree with what others have said, I would make sure you are physically capable and consult your doctor if you aren't sure. If everything checks out I would highly recommend exercise as it gives you an outlet for stress and releases endorphins. If you are like me you will also find that it can be a nice confidence booster as you notice physical changes from cutting out the booze calories and strengthening your muscles. I think that exercise has been one of my main tools in battling cravings.
Hi and welcome! I think exercise is great and I have been a lifelong runner drunk or sober. I switched to walking two years ago and go to the gym regularly now. I'm 54.
I would always start any new exercise program gradually. Maybe a run-walk program gradually increasing the running until you can go the whole distance running. Do not increase your mileage more than 10 percent per week. As others have posted Getting a check up from a doctor is advisable too.
I would always start any new exercise program gradually. Maybe a run-walk program gradually increasing the running until you can go the whole distance running. Do not increase your mileage more than 10 percent per week. As others have posted Getting a check up from a doctor is advisable too.
Yup yup - exercise is not something I've ever enjoyed so never did it much. Since quitting I implemented daily exercise and better nutrition into my life to distract me and break up the cognitive spirals I get myself into. Planning exercise routines and weekly meals keeps my mind busy in a healthy and constructive way now.
Stay hydrated and feed your body with good things and you should be good to go. You'll know your limits from there.
Have fun with it! It's a joy to add and build something in the wake of the loss and destruction addiction brings.
Stay hydrated and feed your body with good things and you should be good to go. You'll know your limits from there.
Have fun with it! It's a joy to add and build something in the wake of the loss and destruction addiction brings.
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