Eating Disorders Support Group

Eating disorders are marked by an obsessive need to control the intake and/or purging of food. This community is dedicated to those struggling on the road to recovery. Join to discuss your experience with others and find support. Get advice, ask questions, and meet others who are going through similar struggles.

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I cant stop exercisng (TW!)

brittaniet
brittaniet
can there a be a disorder where u exercise 2 much? Cuz if there is i think i have it. For some reason i just cant stop sometimes. I feel bad if i do and get anxious. How do i stop with out going cold turkey. I think i have stopped gaining weight because of this. Thanks for the help! (sorry i ask so many questions on this site)
Em-Bel
Em-Bel
Yes, it can be considered with anorexia nervosa. Signs are not eating and can be exercising too much. I wish I could give you more advice but I have a different type of eating disorder, but in any type it is difficult to stop, I'm still having trouble. Knowing you have a problem is the first step and wanting to get better is the second. You can't get better unless you want to. I'd suggest trying to see a professional, others can give you advice but it might not be the best advice.

If you ever need to talk, feel free to message me. Sometimes just talking can help, I know it helps me. Or at least find someone you can talk about this to like a family member or friend that is understanding. Support is always good, no matter what kind it is. Good luck hun!
kathywonders
kathywonders
Yes -sadly even basically healthy habits can become unhealthy obsessions. Too much exercise is stressful and unhealthy - how much is "too much" is hard to define and depends on the individual. Ive taken part in long-distance running events and often looked at training schedules in magazines - but honestly theyre all too intense for me. Three times a week is enough for me to be doing aerobic exercise and twice a week weight training (less if I do other fun things like climbing or Pilates or the aerobic training has been tough). At least one whole rest day every week is necessary for you to reap the benefits of the exercise. And if youre feeling tired rest with maybe stretching, is a better option than pushing it. Would it help to make yourself a weekly or monthly schedule? If you do, it has to be flexible to allow for "real life" and tiredness too.
kathywonders
kathywonders
On second thoughts what I said the other day isnt necessarily helpful if youre recovering from an eating disorder. I mean moderate training with weights is OK for about anyone but youll develop muscle only if youre getting enough protein and energy - exercise needs to be fueled. And if youre underweight its probably better to stick to fun exercise (dance/badminton/roller blading, crazy golf....) anything that involves movement but is basically for enjoyment and not goal orientated.