Lifting weights and panic attacks

[mtnman10]

Does anyone else struggle with panic attacks while trying to lift weights in the gym? Its not all the time, but I would say a solid 25%-50% of the time I try to lift weights in the gym I end up with anxiety or a full blown panic attack. I end up just walking out of the gym. It stinks, I know how good exercise is for my health. Lower intensity exercise such as jogging or playing pickleball doesn't seem to lead to panic attacks but I'd really like to be able to lift weights as well. Does anyone else struggle with this or have any advice?

[Vonus5591]

Always have someone with you, as lifting weights requires two people to help when things not going well. Triggers happen. Just don't injure yourself, is thought I am thinking. Sometimes our body and mind can't do and we must stop assess if others things are better of for us. Our body puts us into the safest position

Do only what you are comfortable with

[Rufus07]

I congratulate you for making it to the gym! I just don’t have the energy or motivation to go.

[Vonus5591]

Stick with not too heavy dumbbells at home and should be enough

[Agora1]

Hi mtnman10, there are 2 things that come to mind when you mention that only when

lifting weights can you have a tendency to go into a panic attack. One may be that you

are holding your breath while doing this. The other reason can very well be that you are

not inhaling deeply before lifting the weight. Inhaling deeply fills your lungs with oxygen.

Exhaling slowly while lifting give your body the strength it needs.

I did this both with weights as well as working out in water aerobics. It helps. xx

[mtnman10 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks for the advice! Next time I’m lifting heavy I will pay attention to my breath and see if that helps.

[Agora1 in reply to mtnman10]

It's super important.. xx

[mtnman10 in reply to Agora1]

I think some of it is the adrenaline dump, mixed with the increased heart rate. Ahhhh, its so frustrating!! I've been dealing with cardiophobia and panic disorder the majority of my life. At this point I'm guessing it'll never fully go away and I just need to adjust my expectations.

[Agora1 in reply to mtnman10]

It will eventually go away mtnman10...when my anxiety started years ago, I also

went through a long period of cardiophobia. ONce I was able to convince myself

that my heart was perfectly fine, my doctors suggested working out. Our heart

is a muscle that needs to be exercised. In return we allow ourselves to breathe

better and feel more alive. Breathing properly can reduce the adrenaline rush

as well as the low lying adrenaline that always hangs around.

It's going to be okay. Takes time for both your mind and body to readjust to a

more positive approach to life. I'm glad you are here with us. xx

[JuneBugsMom46]

Panic attacks are the minds way of taking you out of a situation you don't want to be in. The situation can be either mental or physical. If you're in a situation you mind does not want to be in it will switch gears to something that causes you so much distress that you will leave the situation to alleviate the distress, fear or whatever you want to term it. Try Lucinda Bassett! Good Luck!

[moxoni237]

Hi sorry to hear about you’re anxious thought stressors Breathing techniques important when lifting weights, breathing in when lifting and out when pushing l would ask at gym .you are at advice will show you correctly to avoid injuries also learning breath technique generally,Google or you tube very good for training advice as well keeping the mind relaxed and calm will help also maybe seek advice from friends or medical advice if need be you can build you’re resilience and self esteem belief habits

[SameTimeTomorrow7]

Maybe you're putting too much pressure on yourself. Lift only what you can lift safely. Remind yourself that what you're doing is good for your body

[Zaid07]

Do you usually have anxiety at work too?