What About Exercise??

Should you exercise while cleansing?

There are many different answers to this question depending upon your type of cleanse, your current activity level, and your individual circumstances. Everyone is different of course. 

Personally, I abstain from any type of vigorous exercise during the first 3-5 days of juicing for a number of reasons, but mainly because this is when my body is going through the healing crisis. While you are in the detoxification phase, you most likely will NOT feel like going for a run or pumping iron. Intense exercise can also place more stress on the body and disrupt your body's process of balancing your stress hormones. It's best just to ride out the first few days and really focus on resting and relaxing. 

However, light exercise that does not tax the body can actually speed up the detoxification process and help you cope with the emotional struggles associated with cleansing. My favorite thing to do is go for walks at dusk. I love that time of day. Walk with your family or friends if you can. It's a great time to talk and to share with each other. It's amazing how the great outdoors and the company of loved ones can bring restoration to your spirit. 

You have to do what's right for you. Listen to your body. When you are cleansing, it will speak loudly. I had every resolve to get up this morning and go for a run. I have an iron will and often times ignore my body. But this morning....my body wanted to sleep. I fought the urge to argue with body and reminded myself that sleep was probably more important than exercise at this point. When you are in balance, your body will be honest with you. 

One important thing to note if you are juicing exclusively for an extended period of time, you are NOT in a state of starvation as I mentioned in my previous post. In fact you are in a state of FEASTING. Your body has plenty of nourishment to exercise. One reason it is called a feast is because you are actually getting a sufficient amount of calories. Typically 1,500 a day. That's a lot for a cleanse. Most cleanses put you in a state of starvation. This is another reason I prefer Juicing. When you begin to eat again, you are not having a huge increase in calories, which is why you don't pack back on the lbs.

So In Summary, Exercise as your body tells you. Remember, you are trying to detox stress. The primary reason to cleanse is to heal...not to get fit and lose weight. Those things are benefits to follow. Forcing yourself to exercise when you do not have the strength will impose stress and conflict. This inhibits healing. Remember you are healing your body so that you can be more efficient in all of your activities...including exercise. Be patient with yourself. 

If anyone is Juicing and exercising, I'd love to hear what you do and what you can handle.