Exit Posted September 14, 2009 Posted September 14, 2009 I know we have an entire sub-forum here for fitness and nutrition but I'm really hoping this thread can be allowed to stay open here for those of us who may not venture to other parts of the forum, I think this could help a lot of people who are trying to cope with things. I don't think there is a true cure for heartbreak, but the more I think about it, if anything comes close, it's taking care of yourself through exercise and nutrition. Can't sleep at night? An intense workout will make you tired. Never feel like eating? You'll work up an appetite. Is your mind and body racing with nervous energy when you think about your ex? Put it to good use. Low self esteem after having your heart broken? You'll feel better with each work out. Struggling with depression? Exercise releases endorphins which will make you feel better. The list goes on. For just about every symptom of a broken heart, it seems that a healthy lifestyle is the remedy. There are two paths you can take when your heart gets crushed. You can either mope, stay in bed, bury your feelings in a pint of ice cream, and go out in public in stained sweatpants, or, you can take care of yourself, transform your body and mind, and in a few short months when a mutual friend or even your ex happens to see you, they'll wonder what they gave up on. Right now you are buzzing with emotions, energy, stress, and you can put all of that to good use. Even if you think you hate exercise, give it a try. If you hate exercise because you associate it with being on a treadmill for 45 minutes, try weights. Yes, even the ladies. It becomes a symbolic experience, having the weights trying to hold you down, but you push them up with all your might as many times as you can. Nothing will hold you down. Nutrition can be a bit trickier because this is a time when comfort foods can really make you feel better. But while you may get a mental high off of something sugary and sweet, at the same time, you are adding pounds to your body. I really think this is a good way to move on and feel MUCH better. I hope this thread can be left here for general discussion, and perhaps detailed discussions can be directed to the other forum.
caramel c Posted September 14, 2009 Posted September 14, 2009 I like this thread Exit, thank you. Even though I don't have much to say about it I am looking forward to reading posts here. I have been coping through food, this is what I get for being such a fabulous cook... I need to get back to the gym. It's been months!!
t0ri Posted September 14, 2009 Posted September 14, 2009 I agree, Exit! Jogging with my dog and Ipod blaring has been one of the best ways to help me cope. It clears my head (at least for awhile) and leaves me feeling refreshed. I don't even think about the fact that I'm exercising while I do it... I just run and get zoned out in my music! I do it more so for my mind than my body.
adamt Posted September 14, 2009 Posted September 14, 2009 took up the gym about 3 months ago. not been this fit and toned in years. It has made a difference and i would recommend it to anyone. Now i am hooked on the gym and go 3-4 times a week. Physical aches feels better than heart ache. You feel better after a work out. Also lots of people in the gym are there on their own so it helps to adjust to being on your own again. you can take up classes and make new friends. you can set yourself targets to focus on. If feels good if you work out and eat healthy. I have lost about 14lbs and my body fat has gone down from 33% to 21%. Having to buy new clothes. Clothes seem to hang better on me now. It helps to rebuild your self confidence Working out or doing physical exercise is all pros with no cons. I did it because i just couldnt handle the nights in on my own. I still have feelings for the ex but i am learning to put them to the back of my mind and not go there anymore. Working out and getting fit does have mental benefits. It is something positive to focus on
BeSteady Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 The X talked us into getting a dog just before she left. Best thing for me. Made me get out x day to walk. In the early morning when I could sleep short walk turn into an hour. From there I went to runnng 3 times a week. Added dumbbells t the mix. One of the first things I did was to go out and get some very good cookware. This stuff was nice and heavy so it was moire like working with tool then cooking, manly stuff. I don't cook but started. I am find myself thinking in the day about what I going to fix. I say so myself I am making some tasty healthy grub. My even be able to impress a lady when that time comes. In 9 weeks, lost 25lbs, add some size to the upper body, and gain back a little much need sanity.
lupa Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Well, my brain doesn't turn off when I exercise, so instead I use the anger and adrenaline to push myself even harder on my runs. I don't feel emotionally better when I'm done, but physically I'm getting some of the old me back. Keep crushing those calories, people!
jv032889 Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Anyone have a routine they use? running schedule? I have no idea where to start. I have a tread mill, weights. I'm trying to save money for a trip so the gym is a no go:)
lupa Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Anyone have a routine they use? running schedule? I have no idea where to start. I have a tread mill, weights. I'm trying to save money for a trip so the gym is a no go:) Start simple. Jog out for about 10 minutes, mark the spot, jog back. Measure distance...this is easily done if you can road on or near roads. Then, start getting that mark down by running three times a week, same path. If you can knock 20% off your time, it is time to increase your distance. This way you don't stress yourself too badly, and you can really increase your aerobic capability quickly. First three times or so are gonna suck. Once you get that distance down to 16 minutes...increase your distance again, rinse, repeat. After about two months of this, your body will be ready for longer runs, which is where the "runner's high" starts to kick in. If you try to run for an hour right off the bat, all you're going to do it stress your joints and hurt yourself, because your muscles will be offering no support to the weakest areas. As for the weight -- I was always a fan of light to medium weight, done in a 'circuit training' manner. I'd rather be toned than big, but that's a personal preference. EDIT: I just read your part about having a treadmill. If you like it, run twenty minutes, mark the distance, and then do what I said. Try to run that same distance in decreasing time down to 16 minutes, and then use your new pace to set a longer distance for 20 minutes. Again, this gives the benefit of really ramping up your aerobic capacity while building up all the support muscles in your legs, hips, back, abs, without straining anything too badly.
BeSteady Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Anyone have a routine they use? running schedule? I have no idea where to start. I have a tread mill, weights. I'm trying to save money for a trip so the gym is a no go:) First go to a good running shoe store, on athletes foot but a place that focus on RUNNING. Shoe that fit your style is very important. Then: Jog a min and walk a min for 35 min. after a week try to add 2 min to the jog and a min walk. 3 weeks latter do 4min to the jog and a min for the walk. keep that up until your jogging for 35 min. At that point if you want walk a min at 30 and then do another 10. Do that until your doing 30min jog 1 min walk 30 min jog. In 7 month you will be able to do a marathon by adding time to the jog with a min walk in between the 30's.
Recommended Posts