Has anyone went from not doing cardio excercising to regularly doing it?

Hi Paniccu;)

I can relate to your post in that I understand that exercise can bring on feelings of anxiety.

I have always been active all of my life...either gymnastics, dancing, hiking, or just working out at the gym...I have always loved it all. That is until I had my first panic attack!

For the first time in my life, I was scared of being active. I could feel the EXACT same bodily reactions to exercise that had always happened..heart rate increase, faster breathing, sweating/temp increase...but now they were frightening, because my mind was equating them to panic!

I have never had a stress test, but did go in demanding an EKG, after feeling some particularly strong PVC's/gastro episode? (I still don't know which) during a workout. Of course, I was fine, but it left me shaken.

I did what I suggest you do after your test.(assuming you're fine which I'm sure you'll be:)) I started out again slowly. Part of my job is being physical, but I pared back my normal activity level to the minimum, until I gained confidence. Then little by little, I increased my levels and proved to myself that exercise is actually good for beating anxiety. It will burn off extra adrenaline...the thing that is actually making you feel sick/dizzy, ect., and the endorphines bring about a good feeling long after the activity is stopped.

I do think that when you go in for your tests, that you should explain your fears/concerns to your doctor and the technicians...that way they will be able to start you slowly and take into consideration your nervousness. They will be able to explain the difference between feeling anxiety, and feeling something more physical and significant.

Good luck with this, and know that you are doing the smart thing. The good news is that with Spring coming, you will be able to get in some good walking. A good brisk 30 min walk, (you should be slightly out of breath/a little hard to talk if you tried) 3 or more x's a week, is a great regime.(you don't really need to do hard-core aerobic stuff, unless you just want to.)  Before you know it, you'll be increasing your speed and distance, and not wanting to miss a day...really!:)

Let us know how it's going soon,

S.C.

Hi Paniccu

I have had a stress test done and was feeling anxious about it beforehand mine lasted about 45min and was just a series of questions. It did come back that I was experiencing a lot of stress and identified the stressors my doctor said one of the best ways to reduce stress is to do as much exercise as you can.

Like SC I have always been active but this last year due to high anxiety and stress I have done a lot less and put on a lot of weight. Since Jan I have been walking briskly for 30 - 40 min 3 x a week and going to the gym once a week and have found that it has helped. I have lost over a stone which I am really pleased with.

I would just start of gentle and you will find the more you do the fitter you will feel and the more you can do. Exercise releases serotonin into the brain which will help with your anxiety and also helps with low mood. I agree it is anxiety provoking when you start but the benefits are good. Let us know how you are getting on.

Hibee

Thanks Hibee and Fox7. I've always thought of Pilates as a really high energy sport. I will look into that after I get my nerve up for the darn stress test.

very encouraging words Carlybob1. Thank you!  The stress test isn't something I'd need to bring someone to, is it? I will just be a little out of breath, right?