Does exercising help with anxiety?

[Mimi1114]

I want to exercise but i haven't been able to because of an off-balance feeling ive been having. what are some ways i can exercise with this? has exercising helped with your anxiety?

[Hidden]

Scientifically physical exercise helps. I have been exercising for more than a decade now I wouldn't know because depression is just a recent thing with me. Others says yoga helps.

[13ga]

Hidden hit the nail on the head...

studies absolutely confirm that exercise is great way to deal w/ anxiety.

caution is good due to your off-balance issue...

i'd recommend starting with strengthening exercises that don't rely on balance...

isometric exercises might be a good place to start. planking would be a good way to work your core - and everything comes from the core.

many isometrics can be done while seated; as can free weights for upper body work... and leg lifts (with weights) can help work some lower muscle groups.

have you consulted a dr on your balance issue?

[AK0424]

I have not found exercising to help in any way except make me more anxious and depressed. It doesn't help with my mood. It doesn't make me sleep well. So unfortunately I can't agree with the studies. I know what they say, but not everyone is cookie cutter either. Do what works for you. If that's exercise, dance, swimming, yoga, listening to music and dancing while housecleaning... It's what helps you that matters.

[2dogs6legs]

Exercise is one of the most studied and best understood treatments for anxiety and depression. However, it really comes down to finding an exercise or program you can relate to and enjoy. Some people like to take out aggression on a squat rack, some dissociate on a run or elliptical, and some like the mindfulness of a yoga or tai chi program. Try different things and see what speaks to you. Regarding the imbalance, it sounds to me like yoga would be a good start for you as it specifically addressed mindful movements, balance, and coordination. Yoga with Adriene on Youtube is a good place to start.

Good luck!

[Expo123]

Hi Mimi1114. There are lots of ways you could get in some exercise, even if you are having balance issues. I'm not sure if you are new to exercise, or a bit more advanced. I bought myself a stretching band which allows me to lie on the floor and do a lot of great movements to increase my flexibility. You could also do abdominal work and you wouldn't have to worry about falling since most of the exercises require you to do them from the floor. Another option is to hold onto a chair when you do certain movements. You could even buy some light dumbbells and then sit in a chair while you do some exercises. There are lots of great website you can access that have videos on how to do different exercises, according to the level of fitness you are at. If you are just starting, it doesn't have to be anything complicated. It can be as simple as doing some biceps curls. Let me know if I can do anything to help. I've been training for many years and invested in a little bit of equipment so that I could keep exercising while my gym is closed. It can sometimes be overwhelming to start, but the trick is to set reasonable goals for yourself and then you will see improvements in no time.