Best exercise for post-ED

hi,

i am full recovered and weigh between 130-140 lbs at 5'5.

now, during my recovery i didn't do any exercise whatsoever, which probably was a good idea, but now i am starting to get really frustrated with my body. of course i lost almost every muscle i ever had, so what i gained was mostly fat. being at a very healthy weight now, especially my legs are ridiculously large and have no definition to them. does anyone here have experience with post ED exercise, and how to get the muscle back into my legs?

i can't afford a gym, and running does give me a lot of trouble since my overall condition and fitness level still seems to be poor. it really, really hurts my lungs and legs.

i tried walking, both normally and very fast, for over a year, but it didn't make any difference in my legs whatsoever. i would appreciate any ideas.

thanks!

Biking, swimming, dancing? Adjust the pace and intensity to suit your needs and work your way up, definitely don`t push yourself too hard at first.

Hi.  I had an eating disorder too, thankfully recovered now.  If your goal is to gain some muscle (and lose excess fat) try weight training.  Cardiovascular exercise, like walking or running, is great for increasing endurance, but it simply won't  build any muscle.  In order to do that, lift weights that are as heavy as you can safely manage with good form for 8-15 reps.  Even if you don't have a gym, you can do a lot at home with just a few dumbbells and your own body weight as resistance. Squats, lunges, floor exercises...as well as a balanced upper-body routine.

Good luck and be well!

If you have rollerblades and some smooth pavement nearby, that is a GREAT calories burn and it toned up my hamstrings very very nicely :-)

Thanks everyone. These are some good exercise ideas for avoiding exercise.

I'll try investing in weights and looking into the dance courses at my college. As for rollerblades: my balance is not ideal, sadly!

Glad to hear you're recovered too, cat-girl.

Hi clolitaa, I've been in the same boat. The best thing for me has been getting more active, but not making it about the excercise. I've been riding my mtn bike all over town and on trails, hiking, swimming, and eating for the energy I will need to keep up with all these things. Usually I get to do these on the weekends and every other day thru the work week. The change isn't something I can see on a scale because I am trading fat for muscle. It's a difference I can feel and slowly see, and my new muscles are allowing me to have even more fun so it's very rewarding in all the right ways. I go with my husband and neighbors and totally recommend doing this with a friend, neighbors, or a group. I think excercising alone is a waste of time. Our bodies are more hard-wired to need friends and love, than a solo jog and athletic body. This is coming from an introvert who didn't recover (or care) until I had the right people in my life.

In addition to weight training, some things to help post-ED might be yoga, dance, tai chi, marshal arts, etc.  I'm recovering from anorexia and these things have been recommend to me over and over again.  I found that dance took me into another world, where I was free of ED thoughts.  Yoga has helped me center myself and come back into reality.  It also really makes me focus, and helps stretch achy muscles.  I haven't tried tai chi yet, but I really want to.  It's all about controlling your body, using your muscles to make your body do what you want.  

But other than that, make sure you're exercising for YOU not your eating disorder.  Find things that make you happy (biking, walking, spinning, etc).  Good luck, and congrats on all the work you put into your recovery!