[Metope]

Hi I'm new here and not sure exactly how this works but here's my question:

So, I've been bulimic for about 4 years now. But I've done a lot of intense therapy and have been abstinent (which is what my doctor called it) for about 5 months. I still do over eat a few times a week but I am not purging which I see as a step up. I do want to go to the gym and start exercising but I'm afraid I'll start being addicted to exercise (which happened to me about 2 years ago). Any advice on exercising safely? I don't want to trigger another binge/purge cycle.

that is the question... we seem to have that in common... grrrrrrrrrr isn't it...

My MD's.. response.. is to put me in a physical therapy program... with an agreement to just exercise there and that is it.. I don't know...self limiting exercise for a buliminc is very hard...

Are you sure 5 months is enought time??

[Perna]

Think of what you want from the exercising and think of a way to get it without "exercising"? It seems the focus on the "exercising" is the problem? I'd join a group activity, take lessons maybe? If you are worried you'll exercise too much, then it's probably not a good idea to do anything you see as exercise.

Think of 7 "weekly" activities/chores that are useful and a few daily ones? I'd change my bed, load/unload the dishwasher/do the dishes, do a load of laundry (carrying it downstairs to the machines and upstairs to my bedroom and putting it away), garden/weed/yardwork, start a hobby that would require legwork -- bird watching, walking group (even something like the "Mall Walkers" -- groups of people who go to a local shopping mall before it opens and walk the "circuit" of the mall Ex: http://www.adrianmall.com/html/MallPrograms.asp) or something like that?

[Lostnfound330]

its so great that youre giving it this much consideration, that in itself.. another step up for ya. i excessivly exercise. much less now than say a year or so ago but its just as addicting for me as the binge/purge/restriction cycle im on. its all one big fat %#@&#! addiction! i used to exercise up to 8 hours a day. im a mom and spongebob was raising my beautiful little girl. this is when purging came into play (slightly less time consuming) i dont know if ill ever be able to forgive myself for spending all those hours obsessing instead of being the good mom i so desperatly want to be but im sure gonna try. my suggestion would be to start slowly. i mean exercise is a healthy thing if done in moderation right? maybe before ya hit the gym try just going for short brisk walks or maybe an aerobic dvd in your living room or something. i wouldnt hop right into the gym scene if youre concerned. as my therapist always says... baby steps. good luck and take care.