Exercise & Weight Loss - Does It Really Help?

[HëllaBubz]

I have found that if I put in my earphones, and don't care where I'm going then I can actually get out for a walk. If I have a destination, and a deadline, then I get stressed out much faster.

There are also days when I am so exhausted that I feel like I've just gone for a long run, and all my muscles are aching and warm and jelly like, as though I've just had an adrenalin rush. Those are the days that getting an answer out of me is almost impossible, as I just cannot think or process anything.

If anything, go for a swim with a friend, just chat as you swim, and you will find that you don't stress about how much you have done, and will actually be refreshed afterwards.

 

[Anna]

I find excercising has given me more energy. Without it I would probably explode. I have always been a sporty person though.

I tend to do cardio and circuit training. Swimming is an excellent form of excercise. I wish I could swim more.

 

[intothelight]

Never underestimate the value of exercise for both your mental and physical health.

Really, eating right, exercising, drinking enough water, and getting enough rest are essential to helping alleviate and control PTSD symptoms. I've had to learn this the hard way and always end up paying for increased anxiety when I don't do these basic things.

 

[HëllaBubz]

me gosh, you guys are really fortunate, I haven't progressed to the stage where I can go back to the gym as any strenuous exercise leaves me absolutely buggered for several days afterwards.
So far, a gentle walk and some stairs are good, and a swim helps too.

 

[AngelaMarie]

I went to the doctor today and she said the diet and exercise is super important for health. She is making me get on a scale and to try and lose 5 kg. in 6 months. I think I can lose 5 kg. in 3 months. She said that the benefits of even 10 lbs. and walking and eating well can change your life. She is giving me 3 months to show I can live more healthy without exercise to bring my blood pressure down. I think that shows what exercise can do for us huh?!:)

 

[HëllaBubz]

I reckon it can do a fair bit!
Only part is, where in my sleep diary do I slot it in?:confused::sleep:

 

[^^FlyingSolo^^]

I haven't progressed to the stage where I can go back to the gym as any strenuous exercise leaves me absolutely buggered for several days afterwards.

Hi Bubzilla,

I'm not at the stage where I can go to the gym either right now :( . It's great that you are starting out slow with brief slow walks and swimming. If you keep up a routine like that, and watch what you eat, soon you'll be able to go to the gym again. But if you do, don't go ballistic, just take it slow and easy.

I wholeheartedly agree with Anthony.

I believe from my own previous experience that exercising 3+ times a week even mild exercise has excellent benefits. And speaking for myself it has does wonders for my PTSD. It brings the right kind of endorphins and chemicals into your brain and blood to help even things out. If nothing else gives you strength to keep battling the ongoing fight.

My problem is now that the last few years of hardship derailed me completely and even from the ability to keep up my YMCA exercising and swimming that I cherished. :(:cry:

What I am fighting for now on a daily basis is to get back to the point where I am well enough to go to the Y everyday like I used to.

Loosing weight is just a wonderful side benefit from how good you will feel from regular exercise , mentally and physically. If you are "buggered" for several days afterwards, it sounds like you are pushing yourself way to hard.

Remember, "aerobic exercise" is just simply your body in motion for a period of time. Nothing more! You do not need to go fast or take it to any extremes.

Matter of fact fast walking or any fast exercise will cause you to loose sugar not fat. Your blood sugar will plummet and you will be very hungry after exercising. To burn fat you must exercise at a pace where you can actually hold a conversation with the person next to you. (a slow pace) The trick is to keep up the slow pace for over 45 minutes. (You will see the pounds drop off)

Most people have these facts wrong or misunderstood and that causes a lot of frustration for people with good intentions.

I wish you all the luck in the world of enjoying your physical exercise plan. It helped my PTSD symptoms, and I hope it helps you too!

Regards,

Solo

 

[HëllaBubz]

Huh..... thanks Solo, I really do feel better! :)

I had noticed that after I exercised I was extremely hungry, and I found that a half hour to 45min swim actually made me feel better, and stopped my joints from hurting as much too!
I've been for a walk nearly every day this week, mainly because when I'm expecting things in the mail I have to go to the PO Box room......we were getting our mail stolen.....mongrels :mad:

But since I like getting mail so much, I went on a pen pal site, and I should be expecting a letter in the mail soon!!! :D It's a really good motivation to go for a gentle stroll, and you get an awesome reward at the end of it too - soft, comfy bed, a nice cold drink, and a letter to read! :)

And yes, you're right, when I was swimming with my partner and we talked for ages and tried to 'drown' each other:roflmao: ......trying to bite off each other's toes whilst swimming turned out to be a very dangerous activity:laugh: Mainly because I'm ticklish and will kick with extreme prejudice if you tickle my tootsies!;)

I think I digressed a little....:rolleyes: but yeah, I did lose weight and I did feel better.
I had to stop because I had laser surgery, but I'll be going back this week me thinks.

Does anyone find that their lower back, or shoulders or neck gets really really tense and sore after a round of nightmares? I had to swim the day before I went for a walk because my body was so sore!

 

[TeddySue]

I find exersize life altering.

I am hoping you're right about this; just started to walk again and find it SO exhilarating to find I can still do this; not like I did 10 years ago when I was very regimented and determined. It's so easy to just sit here... but I do agree there is something about exercising that kick-starts the mind.

 

[anthony]

I do agree there is something about exercising that kick-starts the mind.

Yep... endorphins, they're great. I am about to head out on a 10km walk soon. I put my headphones in and away I go. I also find it a great time to think about ideas, directions, issues and resolutions, etc.

 

[HëllaBubz]

Well, I rediscovered another activity last night that brings on endorphins ;):oops::inlove:

And chasing destructive cats around the house in a fit of exasperated rage also tends to get them running too! If they don't get enough attention they will deliberately pick something on the table that they know makes noise, and then get a paw and knock it on the ground. Rotten little buggers:mad::rolleyes:

 

[^^FlyingSolo^^]

Well, I rediscovered another activity last night that brings on endorphins ;):oops::inlove:

Ha ha ha very funny :roflmao: "rediscovered" hmmm.. interesting word...I'll leave that one alone. :p Kudos for burning a few extra calories. :tup::whistling:

Huh..... thanks Solo, I really do feel better! :)
I've been for a walk nearly every day this week, mainly because when I'm expecting things in the mail I have to go to the PO Box room......we were getting our mail stolen.....mongrels :mad:

Your welcome, congrats on the progress, and I'm surprised how much we have in common. I love the mail too! :) I started my love affair with the mail years ago when I found that's where the credit cards come to. :p But that's another story. All those credit cards are long cut up. :cautious:

And those pesky mail thieves :devilish: mongrels indeed, I had to get a post office box too!

But since I like getting mail so much, I went on a pen pal site, and I should be expecting a letter in the mail soon!!! :D It's a really good motivation to go for a gentle stroll, and you get an awesome reward at the end of it too - soft, comfy bed, a nice cold drink, and a letter to read! :)

I love this! Can you PM me with the site you found for pen pals? I still have my box here at the apartments, and your right that would be great motivation to go for a walk to pick up the mail. I haven't found anything that will get me out of the house except for Dr appts and groceries. :eek: I'm so excited at the prospect that maybe it will work for me as well.

It's funny how we help each other on the forum. I was trying to help lend some wisdom to your thoughts about exercising & PTSD. And in turn your reply gave me much needed support and hope for motivation to start walking again.

Does anyone find that their lower back, or shoulders or neck gets really really tense and sore after a round of nightmares?

Yep I get really sore. But yep swimming is great for that.

Best regards,

Solo