Recently when my anxiety became really bad again, I stopped going to the gym because I was already anxious as it is and then getting my heart rate up I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. I tried going again Monday and it was really hard not to focus on that. Can anyone else relate to this?

Yeah I can definitely relate to this ! For me I remember trying to exercise during extreme anxiety and it definitly didn't Help. try doing breathe work or maybe just walking out in nature until the anxiety goes down a little. To me extreme anxiety is exercise!!-lol. During times of bad anxiety I like to focus more on relaxing maybe a warm bath or quiet time. Maybe someone else will offer more advice. Best wishes- Janet

I can also relate. One of my biggest fears is having a heart attack. I am so aware of every beat that any activity makes me afraid. I have even been to a cardiologist who says I am fine. I want to exercise so bad so that I can be healthy, but right now it doesn't seem worth it because of the panic that usually follows. If you find something that makes you feel better, please let me know.

I can relate as well I find that when I don't want to exercise I feel like I'm going to stop breathing cause I'm increasing my heart rate. I first start slow with the exercise just gradually then I work up into a more full arobic. some times this takes a few days but I find that after I work at it I start to feel better and my energy level goes up and I feel better. I hope this helps

Yep. This is a fairly common fear and completely understandable. You might try an exercise program like Yoga. Its a more supportive exercise and can be tailored to fit your needs for the day. The breathing techniques are great for slowly building endurance. And the poses are great for building core strength and flexibility.

Also, I like the idea of starting slow and working into it. Remember, as Lucinda says, your heart is designed to pound during exercise. This is normal, but it does take some time to get used to if you've been avoiding it.

Like anything else, it takes practice. Find practice opportunities that will help you overcome your avoidence behavior toward exercise. It'll be worth it.

Best,
Zair