Is anyone afraid of exercise? In the last few months, I have become afraid of exercising, having convinced myself that I have some kind of heart problem. I get PVCs, or 'skipped' heart beats and recently went to the doctor for them. They are normal, but I have developed a fear of exercise now. Do I just start walking on the treadmill again to try and get over it?

We've been told that facing our fears is the best way to get rid of them. If your doctor says your tests are all normal, then YES, you should start walking on the treadmill OR outside, even if for 5 minutes the first time, then increase by 2-3 minutes each additional time!

Best of luck to you! You can do it!

Yes, that is what you do. I agree with Sunbound. I too have had issues with exercise but little by little you will overcome. You might even buy a heart rate monitor. IT will tell you your target zone and as long as you are in it you are fine. I used one at first made me feel better. I have worked out 4 days a week now for a year and a half and let me tell you it makes me feel so much better. Heart issues like missed heart beas and such could also be you hyperventilating. You might try relaxation and focus on proper breathing techniques. Over time your body functions will return to a more balanced place. Also make sure your diet is healthy and balanced. Good luck.

Thanks for the encouraging words. It just helps sometimes to talk it out. I am gearing up for tomorrow, talking myself through it...I seem to get more anxious after the exercising is done. I guess it's from the adrenaline?

Take it slow. Easing into a new excercise program will be better in the long run. I have heard you should run at a pace that let's you be able to carry on a conversation. If you conversation gets "breathy" then just slow down or walk until you can talk in a normal voice. I have found by doing this, that I was trying to do too much too quickly. By slowing down and mixing walking with a slow jog, I will build endurance and eventually be able to run at my goal pace.

Good Moning writersblock, and Everyone,

Nothing really to add as other posts have covered everything pretty much.

One or two thoughts of my own.
Put on some enjoyable music when on the treadmill or a favorite tv show..I really found it helped.

Also when you fear and worry you are releasing too much adrenaline and other hormones into your mind and body and it will give you symptoms of panic and anxiety so just focus on how much good the walking is doing to help you each time you use the treadmill. With proper use of the program, proper nutrition, and exercise you are on your way to setting yourself free from all the issues you have been dealing with and will soon have the life skills to live the happy joyous life you want.

Just take things slow..baby stpes, remember to be kind to your mind and body.

God Bless, Good Luck On Your Journey!!

writersblock --

There are many things you can do that can be the exercise without actually being exercise such as housework, bowling, gardening, mowing the lawn, rollar skating, ice skating, skiing, etc.

Have you thought of doing some of these activities?

When my heart "acts up" I go for a brisk walk and it really helps. I think sometimes its just too much adreneline in the body and exercise seems to help rid of it. I used to worry about it too, but it is part of the anxity.

sometimes a treadmill is not the answer... why not a walk in the park... or around the block. Take the exercise out of exercising and maybe you wont have the anxiety, you can work up to the treadmill. Just a thought.

It is nice to hear that others have thought they had heart problems too and skipped beats and so on.... I previously went through this 10 years ago with anxiety and now here I am again thinking I have some heart condition-it is amazing how your mind can consume you but we have to remember-we need to be in control of our minds not our minds controlling us-work slowly into it-I thought about getting the WII fit to try some exercise and if I get too over worked up I can choose to chill out for a moment!

For a while, I can honestly say I was afraid to exercise...about 15 years or so ago when I first started into this mess of anxiety and panic attacks.

I've been through enough testing, though, that I am no longer intimidated by my skipping heartbeats or shortness of breath and yet I still don't exercise.

We have a treadmill which I use on occasion, but most of the time (especially right now) I opt to go to sleep instead of exercising to turn my brain off. Plus, I am usually so very, very tired after work.

My husband tells me I "really should exercise", which I know to be true, but it is as if there is "something" there stopping me. It's me, of course, but what part of me?

I wish I had someone who lived near me who would "kick" me into gear, but alas, there is no one.

Boy, this whole thing is so complicated...

Do not give up on exercise. It is one of the major keys in conquering anxiety. As long as the doctor is telling you are okay, just ease back into it by walking