Effect of sobriety on fitness

[doubter]

Hi everybody,

Started this thread to share a very peculiar experience.

I quit alcohol three months back after finding this site.

For the past 17 years, running has been my regular fitness activity. I was inspired to take up jogging / running after reading 'Aerobics' by Dr. Kenneth Cooper which has become my fitness bible since then. This is a book published way back in 1968 and although a lot of further insights and knowledge have been added to the field of fitness, this book is reputed to have brought about a fitness revolution. The USP of the book is its precise quantification of fitness levels and the detailed programs to reach our optimum level of fitness.

According to Dr. Cooper, any male between 20 to 60 and without any significant medical problems should be able to run atleast 1.5 miles ( 2.4 km) in 12 minutes. This is six rounds on the standard track. This has been defined as category-IV fitness and if one is not able to reach this, by following a clearly delineated fitness program, one can reach this fitness level within 8 - 12 weeks.

I took up running as a fitness activity at age 20 ( never was remotely athletic btw) and for the past 17 years tried to keep up this category-IV level of fitness. Was a heavy smoker during this period and 3 -4 years back, in my early-thirties could not maintain this level of fitness even after regular runs. I almost thought that smoking had damaged my fitness permanently.

Gave up smoking 1 1/2 years ago and immediately within three months could again climb back to category -IV fitness.

All through these years, whenever I stopped working out for any significant period of time, I had to run for atleast a couple of months before climbing upto category IV fitness.

Now coming to the point. I stopped my running routine in January this year. Have stopped drinking since March, but have not done any regular physical exercise for the last three months except for sporadically doing breathing exercises(pranayama). Two weeks ago, I walked into the gym and was curious to check my fitness level. Took the 12 minute test and was astounded to complete 2.5 km in 12 minutes! Never in the past 17 years have I been able to do this - stay at category -IV fitness without any significant fitness routine! The only change in my lifestyle has been giving up alcohol.

Secondly, in these three months of being sober, I also have lost one-and-a-half inches from my none too significant waist ( 33 1/2 inches to 32 inches) again just by giving up alcohol. Talk about empty calories!

The lesson is crystal clear to me. All this while, alcohol was affecting my fitness adversely and the present improved fitness level gives me added motivation to stay al-free.

Just wanted to share my experience with all friends here.

Warm Regards

LessofaDoubter

[time2change]

Doubter
It really is amazing in how many ways alcohol affects us. It's even more amazing that we don't see it at the time. Three months has brought about many positive changes for you. I'm glad that you are motivated to continue on. Imagine the additional positive changes that you will see in another 3 months. I'm so glad that you are LessofaDoubter.

[tlrgs]

thankx for sharing ..doubter.. keep up the great work .. you have done an awesome job..
peace , love and god bless

[Tiny]

Doubter -- great observation ... I believe that eliminating Al gives us more all around energy and perhaps that is why your fitness level was easily attainable -- since you've stopped have you been more productive in other areas? I know for me that when I am drinking it is me, my mine, the TV an my dogs. When I am not drinking (which is day 11) I have been a ball of energy!!!!

I am going to attempt the fitness test tomorrow!!! (NOT!)

[Cinders]

Doubter,

Thanks for sharing that. It really shows what effect alcohol has on us in terms of wearing the body down.

Really glad to "see" you again and very happy to hear you are doing so well.

Love,
Cindi

[Determinator]

Doubter, great post!

I've also found that al consumption definitely slows my O2 uptake. I used to wheeze like a freight train at workout, but now I'm much more calm and my cardio is better for no other reason than giving up the toxic brew.

[meditation mama]

Good for you, Doubter!!

I am also a grateful recipient of a healty outcome after kicking AL out the door. I jumped back into a fitness routine a month ago after giving up AL for three months. I was also astounded at my energy level. I went for a hike last weekend and thought, maybe I would make it halfway to where I used to go.. not only did I make it to the top, I almost sprinted the whole way!! I have also lost 20 pounds since January..

Yes, indeed.. a great motivator!

Thanks for sharing your experience. Keep up the good work!

MM

[TryingHard]

I'm constantly surprised by my increased energy levels when I refrain from drinking...I often wish I could undo the unhealthy-ness of my past 8 years.

As someone who suffers from various lung conditions, I find consumption of alcohol has an adverse affect on my cardiovascular health - something my doctors refuse to commit to agreeing to.

[headless1]

...and I have begun riding my bike for the first time in several years. Dusted it off and went on 2nd ride today. Forgot how much I love being outside and pumping the pedals. Today I thought maybe I will go on a long ride that I used to do, 21 miles. Not ready yet, but just to think I wanted to go was amazing for me. Three weeks ago I would have laughed at the thought of it. Looking forward to all the great rides and the way it makes me feel. So from here on I plan to use the momentum of exercise to build on my AF lifestyle. Amazing-day 23 ...I'm psyched. Just need to stay away from triggers and people who don't respect the fact that I choose not to drink. If I do fall though I know that I can get back up and do this if I want. Good to have a place to vent and also be inspired by others. thanks for listening

H

[doubter]

Hello everybody!

This is in continuation to my first post on this thread.

I've just copied below a link to a detailed table indicating desired levels of aerobic fitness for both males and females of all ages. This is as per the Cooper's 12 minute test :

Test your fitness with the Cooper Test


In my opinion, everybody who feels up to it, upto the age of 60 and without any medical complications & following a regular exercise routine, can try the 12 minute test to assess his/her fitness levels.

headless, nice to see that you are channelising your newfound energy in dusting up your bike. Just post again to share your experience of the 21 mile ride! All the best.