How often do you go to the gym to reduce anxiety?

[Layla321]

Hi I’m thinking of joining the gym as I heard it can keep your mind so busy and not to worry about every ache or pain.

With my work I can only commit twice a week is that ok to feel a difference?

[bigjimmy]

Does twice a week work for you?

Can you go out walking or running on other days?

I exercise with weights three times per week and go walking the other days, it works for me.

Exercise is amazing for anxiety. Set yourself goals to give you something to focus on and go for it.

Also look into some foods that can help with anxiety, bananas are one but there are others.

Good luck. ☺️

[Layla321 in reply to bigjimmy]

I can’t wait to join now! The thing is I’m naturally skinny 7st 2lb and 5”4 I think my metabolism is something else as I do eat like a horse! I’m always on the go on high alert very hyper I guess all with the anxiety. I’m going to burn excess energy and mentally to be happier.

My husband calls me the Duracell rabbit he says you just don’t know how to relax or stop . I’ve tried yogo and I was so restless and for a slim person I have zero flexibility I’m as stiff as a plank! and was so frustrated even the simple things I couldn’t do. So I’m thinking twice a week of cardio and it’s a 15min walk from my house so I can even walk there. I just want to be tired at night and keep my focus on happy things and god forbid if I was ever sick I can always say “ I went to the gym and took care of myself”

I called the gym earlier and she said they will take my measurements and body fat %. I told her don’t want to be measured don’t want to know my body fat% as this will be something for me to google and obsess about. I said it’s not about losing inches I just want to go to a place to relax. I think I sounded crazy but she made a note that I don’t want anything medicaly involved. I hope it’s not a phase and I can just find my happy place x

[bigjimmy in reply to Layla321]

Try out some classes where you follow the instructor, they might be more fun for you and help you to burn that energy up. There are all types, body pump, spin etc, there is something for everyone. If you want to put on some weight eat more, take protein shakes after each session and even on the days in-between. The alternative is to have a programme to follow, it gives you goals, things to aim for.

I think you are into a good thing and I hope you enjoy the gym 😊

If you need any advice or just a chat don't be afraid to message me. I'll help if I can.

[Layla321]

I Have heard so much about protein shakes does it have caffeine? I have tried the protein mars bars but I think you have to be disciplined with the milkshakes? I’ve never had the guts to try them but ideally would like to be at least 8st. It’s like for the last 10 years I’ve always been between 7st-7st I can ask them at the gym which days I should drink them and the best brand.

Thanks for your tips! 😊

[bigjimmy]

You can get lots of different protein shakes, I don't think they have caffeine in them but check the ingredients before you buy them. A good place is online the site is called myprotein if you register you can explore the different types then order what suits you. You also get loyalty points and they email you codes to get discount. There are also weight gainers that you can buy. They are all very reasonable prices on this site and the stuff is good.

Take the shakes preferably within an hour after you exercise. But to make it easier for you then take it to the gym and drink it after you exercise. There should be free water at the gym. ( You can also use milk) you can get flavoured shakes but they might have less protein in them. Take one shake the morning after your gym session also. Preferably two shakedown gym days and one the next day. Also make sure you have at least one day in-between gym sessions free to let your body recover, that's when the changes happen.

If you do buy protein try to get at least 20 grammes per shake.

I hope this helps.

Ask anytime.

[Layla321]

Thank you for the detailed reply will definitely look into It x

[bigjimmy in reply to Layla321]

Any time. ☺️

[rossdav]

I actually find that exercise enhances my anxiety rather than helping, especially if I get out of breath or my heart rates goes high. My overactive mind immediately assumes the worst and the cycle begins. I've had some very intense exercise induced panic attacks. I've had to stop dog walking because of it.

Would be keen to hear how others manage this. The gym seems a distant dream.

[RubixCube93 in reply to rossdav]

I've found that too, particularly as I've got low blood pressure and have had some fainting episodes there a few times that were mortifying! Even swimming could make me out of breath as I've been so unfit in bad patches but I've found building up at a snail's pace really helped. I regularly walk at a decent pace now but if I go back to the gym I'll build it gradually again so I get used to the even faster heart rate.