How can I get an exercise high without cardio? page

**tallglassome** · 07-29-2012, 07:34 PM

I love to exercise. Cardio. Not very Grokette, I know. But nothing makes me feel better or happier or calmer than a run, workout video, or exercise class at the gym. It's my go-to for heading off a panic attack, clearing my head, and putting a smile on my face.

Today, I hurt myself while running. Likely an injury to the plantar fascia on my right foot. I'll go to the doctor tomorrow to get it sorted and get on the road to recovery. It's an inconvenience, for sure.

It feels silly to admit, but I am despairing at not being able to work out like I usually do. I'm panicking about not having it as an escape and release and tool to deal with my anxiety.

Rather than dwell on all the feeeeeeelings I'm feeling (before a visit to the doctor, no less!) I thought I'd ask you:

What do you do to get the cardio high that's not cardio? And what exercises can I do that may produce a similar result?

**Fernaldo** · 07-29-2012, 07:57 PM

Sprint, 20 rep squats

**Dirlot** · 07-29-2012, 08:03 PM

Lift and lift big.

**sbhikes** · 07-29-2012, 08:43 PM

Can you ride a bike or swim? Can you just go for a walk? Sometimes it can be very healing emotionally, spiritually and physically just to walk slowly in a natural place, taking time to feel the sun or see the birds and other living things around you.

**cavequeen** · 07-29-2012, 08:48 PM

I like an intense vinyasa yoga class. I always feel better afterwards.

**tallglassome** · 07-29-2012, 08:53 PM

I'll know more tomorrow. I'm hoping biking will still be okay.

**Forgotmylastusername** · 07-30-2012, 01:35 AM

I never really got an 'exercise high' or whatever people call it until I started swimming. I'm not sure if it's just the exercise part of it or just the whole process of going beyond my comfort zone into a fairly cold pool then getting out into a hot shower and getting changed that leaves me feeling good but it's definitely worth it.

**Tribal Rob** · 07-30-2012, 02:55 AM

Find some way to sprint, be it in a pool, on a concept rowing machine, nowt gives me the post excersise buzz like sprinting. You may find you want to cut some of the cardio if you start sprinting, and lifting heavy, and you are less likely to injure yourself again IMHO that keeping doing the cardio stuff - don't give it up if you love it, I love to run, it feels great to do and a feel good knowing I can do it. But less can be more. GOod luck healing quick.