How well does exercise work?

[2sara1]

How well does exercise actually work for anxiety? I've tried in the past but only gone to the gym for a few times as it made me anxious even going in?! I know, stupid.But if you stick at it..does it work? If I carry on with it and push myself will i see an outcome is what I'm wondering. Does anybody have any experience with it?

[Agora1]

Hi 2sara1, I use to work out in a gym but when anxiety struck, my doctor had me switch to water aerobics. 5-6 days a week. Started slow at first with only 2 days because I was afraid to strain my heart and fear that it would cause more palps. Just the opposite was true. The more I worked out the less adrenaline I had. Until finally I was a the gym every week for years. Not only will you see the results in your body image but also the Endorphin level will raise to the point of eradicating your adrenaline. I hope you continue, exercise is good for stress. Good Luck

[2sara1 in reply to Agora1]

did you find it hard to keep consistently going? I really struggle to continue with things, like it's a novelty at first but then I just stop going

[Agora1 in reply to 2sara1]

No I didn't find it hard to keep going. That was my escape, my playtime everyday to let loose and relax. Winter and summer alike, I was there in the pool, jumping around to the music, engaging in conversation with others who had health issues. It was fun and became addicting. Now I will say that the Health and Fitness Class was at our nearby hospital. Which gave me reassurance. My doctors even worked out there so I always knew help was near by should I need it. Never did.

[daveets4]

I've been having the same problem. Fitness, sports, and an active lifestyle has always been my niche. But ever since developing extreme anxiety and panic disorder, I haven't been able to step foot in a gym. Every time my heart rate would go up my mind would trick my body into thinking it was having another attack and I would have to stop. But yoga which is a calmer version and combination of exercise and meditation might help you to start off. Also my psychologist has me trying what she calls "exposure therapy". Which makes me face anxious places and thoughts and repeat them over and over till they start to have less and less power to them. So for like an example would be to run up and down a flight a stairs real quick, get your heart rate going and just repeat over and over again "I'm having a panic (or anxiety) attack." It's slowly been helping me and hopefully one day soon I'll be able to return back to my second home at the gym. Good luck! I wish you the best, and remember you're never alone.

[Audiman1]

Exercise works well..... not just routine of it but the breathing alone is Vital to your well being.... be conscious of your breathing at all times.... we tend to get consumed by our thoughts and forget to breath! Oxygen will calm you.... I've taken up running without distractions..... no music..... no busy roads.... just a quiet place to run and do about 5km now... always feel relaxed and calm when I return and for 48 hours after.... breathing is no 1.... how ever you can achieve it...deep breathes..... No 1! Happy friday