Cardio advice

tashaa1992

I know it's important to not do too much cardio, but I was wondering if running everyday for short periods of time would actually harm my body or muscles? I'm asking because I'm in recovery for purging type anorexia, and the main times I'm likely to purge are first thing in the morning, after breakfast and after dinner. Luckily during the week, I can get away with not purging after breakfast as I head off to work straight after breakfast but after dinner is a massive trigger for me. I think about purging all day, everyday. Somedays, like yesterday, I manage to put my health first but take today for example, I purged as soon as I woke up.

When I first started back in recovery a few months ago, I was walking or running everytime I wanted to purge. It helps me clear my head and it gets me away from the bathroom, so if I ran everynight, about 30 minutes-1 hour, would I be harming my body just the same as if I was purging? I'm not running to lose weight, just so you know.

Bakkasan

Eating and running is doing it right.
Purging is doing it wrong.

luvmyleo

Running daily with no rest days is not being kind to your body and yes, you could cause an overuse injury...This seems like a question more suited for a mental health professional... Sending you love and light throughout your recovery.

luvmyleo

I wanted to add that taking a walk in the evenings would be better for you then running 30min- 1 hr daily. Or at least alternate the days you walk/run.

stylistchik

If it helps, you cope my opinion is run. If it helps relieve stress and clear your mind, run. Obviously if you feel pain from running you should stop but it seems like your mind is on the right track, you just have to learn new healthier habits. There are more qualified people to help you with this so I hope you can get the help you need to recover. Good luck and congrats on deciding to get healthy!

GetFitE

I wanted to add that taking a walk in the evenings would be better for you then running 30min- 1 hr daily. Or at least alternate the days you walk/run.

I agree--I would alternate the days you walk run so it's not as harmful to your joints.

tashaa1992

Thank you to everyone for all the responses:) I am going to take the advice given and alternate between walking and running. I have tried various other activities at home, zumba for my wii and using my treadmill but it's all about numbers, I hate seeing the number of calories I have burnt because it never feels like enough so I purge anyways because I'm stressed so not knowing how much I have burnt will hopefully take the stress away:)

IveLanded

FWIW, I think that really the main "damage" you are going to do is if you aren't taking in enough protein. If you can get some protein in your body in the day to help your muscles recover from activity....I would think you're doing ok. But really the best guide is your body....if you go for your run and you feel ok, keep doing it.

Good luck!!!!!

doubglass

Running everyday won't hurt you in the least. It is, of course, better than purging.

sundaywishes

I agree with getting the the protein in, as well as alternating running and walking days. If just walking is enough to destress you, then I'd suggest only walking and leaving the running out as much as possible, at least until you are further into recovery. You wouldn't want the running to change from de-stressing to exercise-purging (even though that's not why you're doing it now). Maybe also try taking up a new hobby? I learned to crochet and after I got a few basic stitches down, I was addicted! I couldnt NOT put the yarn away lol! If you decide to look that up, go on youtube and search for the username BethinTX (she has GREAT beginner tutorials).