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want and need to exercise but scared to

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Posted 6/17/2015 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
I get short of breath and feel dizzy start hyperventilating... i want to be normal and go for walks and feel safe to walk around my yard again but this make me scared to.. not sure how to get over this..I know its anxiety because if Im with my family and we go do family things on the weekends most of the time im ok...
Posted 6/18/2015 12:21 AM (GMT 0)
Storm,
I used to get the same way about exercising. The effects of good exercise often mimic the symptoms of a panic attack which is why we get so freaked out. It's best to start out with some really really low cardio exercise and work your way up. Start with a five minute walk a day, and gradually increase by five minutes each week. Pretty soon you'll be running! This is how I was able to start exercising again.
Posted 6/18/2015 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Blu, You need to start out really slow. Like she said start off for 5 minutes walking down to the corner and back, increase it every few days by 5 minutes. Do you have access to a swimming pool? You could try to go swimming, it's great exercise and good therapy for anxiety too. :)
Posted 6/18/2015 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
www.thewalkingsite.com/12week.html
Posted 6/18/2015 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
im going to try.. I really need to do something... im happy to know other people have had to same problems.. I really want to be able to walk a few miles again...
Posted 6/18/2015 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
Good for you Storm.
Posted 6/18/2015 7:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Storm

I have had the same problems I used to be really active and fit I was an Outdoor Sports Instructor but when I lost my job I went from exercising every day to doing nothing and found it very hard to get back into.

I have recently (this past couple of months) got back into exercise I do a circuit class once a week and joined the local table tennis club and I also try and go for a short walk every day. As the others have said start of small and gradually increase your exercise.

The benefits of exercise are huge and can really help with your anxiety.

Hibee
Posted 6/18/2015 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
SL,

As the others have stated...start slow and go for it! If you start to have symptoms...slow down even more, but don't stop. Use your postivie mantras to get you through until you can increase your pace a bit, once again.

Exposure therapy of this type helps to restructure our fearful thoughts in connection to the situation. Right now, your brain is equating exercise with danger...

...but if you can get in a couple of successful exercise sessions without lettying worry or symptoms stop you...you will have retrained your thinking into knowing the exercise is safe!

I have had to do this, as my career depended on it! I have taught a few (dance) classes where I was feeling sympotmatic...but had to push through, because I knew if I let the anxiety stop me...I might be setting a defeated pattern.

Wishing you the best...you can do this!!

S.C.
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