Fitness and recovery

When I entered recovery after years of alcohol addiction my body was in pretty bad shape. My liver was screaming blue murder, and my the rest of me was so familiar with feeling ill that I had forgotten what it felt like to be healthy. For the best part of two decades I felt sick most of the time and didn’t even know it. It wasn’t until I had a break from alcohol that it was possible for me to appreciate what healthy meant; it came as a wonderful surprise.


Two years into my recovery from addiction I made a few discoveries. Although I was no longer drinking alcohol, and my body was feeling a lot better, it soon became obvious that there was more work to be done. I had started piling on a lot of weight, and the fact that I had a small frame made this extra weight seem far from flattering. I reached 85 kg. I might have got away with this if I lived back in Europe where baggy clothes can hide a lot of fat, but living in a hot country like Thailand meant hiding my belly would involve dying from heat stroke. The fact that I was also surrounded by Thai people who tend to be small worked to make me feel even more of a fatty.


As well as feeling a bit self-conscious about my extra weight there was also the problem of my unhealthy diet causing me feel sluggish much of the time. When my son was born I struggled to keep up with him and realised that something would have to change. I decided that I didn’t get sober to feel bad. Becoming overweight was one thing, but not being able to play for long periods with my son really got to me. I imagined what it would be like in another decade when I’m in my fifties. No, action would need to be taken and taken right away.


Last year I made the wise move of buying a game called Wii Fit for my Nintendo. This introduced me back into fitness. I was soon able to exercise for half an hour a day and this increased to nearly an hour on some days. My energy levels quickly came back. I also changed my diet to a vegetarian one and this also improved the way my body felt. The weight quickly fell away and I am now 70 kg and seem to have no problem maintaining this weight.


I have also found my way back into martial arts. These have always held a great attraction for me. It was actually my move away from martial arts in my teens which signalled my move into addiction. I now practice Tai Chi every day; as well as working out in the more energetic martial arts. This is working to keep me feeling physically fit and maintain my interest in keeping healthy.


Now fitness is an important part of my ongoing recovery from addiction. I do something every day and like the way my body has a much younger feel to it. I would hate to go back to the way things were before. Life is too good. I don’t see exercise as a chore, but something to look forward to; a welcome break. Pumping up a sweat can really provide a good feeling.