Is over 400 minutes of vigorous exercise (running) a week too much?

QueenBee1 · 01-04-2013 02:35PM #1

Is over 400 minutes of vigorous exercise (running) a week too much on about 1500 calories a day?

Hanley · 01-04-2013 02:38PM

Unless you weigh 35kg, almost certainly.

Brian? · 01-04-2013 02:54PM

What do you weigh? Why are keeping the kcals so low?

You're asking to burn out quickly if you keep going like that.

QueenBee1 · 01-04-2013 05:15PM

I weight about 50kg. It sounds a lot but i do 40 mins mon-fri and then an hour and a half (split up) sat and sun. Basically my menstruation has stopped since December and I'm trying to figure out the cause. I eat very healthy balanced diet and my weight isn't TOO low for my height (I am 5ft6) so I'm thinking it could be the running ?

username123 · 01-04-2013 05:25PM

This isnt really rocket science. You are over exercising and under eating, you are under 8 stone at 5ft 6 so you are no doubt thin - your body is signalling that there is a problem here.

What does your GP say about this, this is who you should speak to regarding your periods stopping?

And why do you never have a rest day? That must be putting enormous stress on your system - the body needs to rest from time to time.

Brian? · 01-04-2013 05:46PM

QueenBee1 wrote: »

I weight about 50kg. It sounds a lot but i do 40 mins mon-fri and then an hour and a half (split up) sat and sun. Basically my menstruation has stopped since December and I'm trying to figure out the cause. I eat very healthy balanced diet and my weight isn't TOO low for my height (I am 5ft6) so I'm thinking it could be the running ?

Mod note: Re menstruation: Sorry, no one can give you medical advice here. Go to a GP.

Re weight: Officially on the BMI scale 50kg is underweight for your height, make of that what you will. 1500 calories is about right for your height and weight to maintain that weight if you are doing NO strenuous activity. You are running 40 mins a day and therefore creating a calorie deficit, you're undereating for your current weight. Your current weight is too low IMO and you're eating to get lighter, somethings going to give.

QueenBee1 · 01-04-2013 06:02PM

username123 wrote: »

This isnt really rocket science. You are over exercising and under eating, you are under 8 stone at 5ft 6 so you are no doubt thin - your body is signalling that there is a problem here.

What does your GP say about this, this is who you should speak to regarding your periods stopping?

And why do you never have a rest day? That must be putting enormous stress on your system - the body needs to rest from time to time.

My GP says its weight that's the problem. I had this issue before some time back where they stopped as I was eating under 1000 calories a day. I have a bad attitude to food and I know I need help but I just have a massive fear of gaining weight.

QueenBee1 · 01-04-2013 06:06PM

I actually cannot take a rest day I will go mentally insane if I don't do something every day. If I ever eat any chocolate or sugar I feel a terrible guilt and have to exercise more to compensate this

Hanley · 01-04-2013 08:01PM

Two things...

1) There's almost certainly a link between your lack of menstruation, low kcals and extremely high activity levels

2) Your issue isn't a fitness related one, but you already know that. For whatever reason something is driving you down the road your on, and until you identify that no amount of exercise and dieting will leave you truly happy - it's something you need to discuss with a professional in that area

username123 · 01-04-2013 08:01PM

QueenBee1 - you need to speak to a medical professional. The way you are feeling isnt a healthy way for you to be. I hope things work out for you, best wishes.

Oryx · 01-04-2013 08:13PM

Noone here can medically advise you but youve posted here because I think you already know things are not right.

Did you post because you want to be told youre doing ok? Well in my opinion you're not. Not even taking your exercise level into account (perfectly doable for some) its your attitude and reasoning that is wrong.

You are undereating and over exercising for what seems to me, all the wrong reasons, to the point that menstruation has stopped. This is not good. I think you need to be realistic about that.

QueenBee1 · 01-04-2013 09:48PM

Thank you. I am not seeking medical advice. I know there is something wrong and I know what. All this started when I had a miscarriage last July. I haven't had a takeaway or pizza etc since. I am posting here because I need a push to get help. At the minute I can't just let myself go to get that. I want a baby so bad but I can't because I'm not even ovulating because of this. It's a constant battle in my mind, I tried to let go today and eat chocolate so I had a Creme egg and 3 butlers chocolates after an hour and a half run. I know feel so horrible and want to hit the road again. The other side of my mind says its ok I need this to get to a healthy weight to try conceive again. It's a battlefield in my mind right now

Brego888 · 01-04-2013 09:56PM

I work with eating disorders. Unfortunately you have a lot of the symptoms. Women stop menstruating when underweight as the body knows it's not in a healthy state to have a child.
If you can't address your over exercising and under eating yourself then you need to get some external help.
Do this soon before you deteriorate any further.

QueenBee1 · 01-04-2013 10:00PM

Brego888 wrote: »

I work with eating disorders. Unfortunately you have a lot of the symptoms. Women stop menstruating when underweight as the body knows it's not in a healthy state to have a child.
If you can't address your over exercising and under eating yourself then you need to get some external help.
Do this soon before you deteriorate any further.

How can I do this? What do I need to do?

metamorphosis · 01-04-2013 10:46PM

You do indeed show unhealthy symptoms of fear of food and exercising concurantly to counteract this. You know
deep down tha this is a miserable way to live... check out the Marino Clinic in Dublin - they are very good. Also look up Bodywhys.ie as a resource.

All the best OP, but DO look for support. The sooner you do this, the better chance you have of regaining a life where the above doesnt rule your life.

Brian? · 01-04-2013 10:49PM

QueenBee1 wrote: »

How can I do this? What do I need to do?

http://www.bodywhys.ie/

Is over 400 minutes of vigorous exercise (running) a week too much?

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