Hello all!
Does anyone resist working out because their heart races and that's the very symptom that sends them into anxiety? I love working out and have for years, but since the anxiety (5 months ago), i find I resist strenuous working out because the racing heart makes me nervous. My rational brain says that a racing heart is supposed to occur with working out, but my anxiety brain often interrupts. Any thoughts or inspiration as to how to come to terms with this reality? Thanks.

I have the same problem. It is so frustrating because I was very active before my panic attacks blew out of control. Now I can barely walk briskly before my heart starts racing and I feel faint. I feel sure I will have a heart attack.
I have found that doing a low impact stretching video (it's an old Jane Fonda called "Start Up") really helps. You don't get all out of breath because you are only stretching, however you do get a good workout and it makes you feel good. The workout is only about 20 min. long. She has you focus on your breathing and that is nice too.
The goofy music and 80s work-out outfits keep you entertained and you can just focus on the pleasing gentle stretching sensations.
It is very relaxing and I have never felt panicky when I do the work out. I also have very low motivation right now to do much for myself, so being able to pop a video in when I feel like it works well for me.
Hope that helps.

Hi Klinville!
Thanks for your suggestion. I do have a Yoga video that I was doing that I did think helped. It's so easy to avoid working out and I think that's the major hurdle I need to overcome. However, I think that will take time, so a stretching video sounds great! Thanks. I'll try that later today.
-peacewithin

hi,

i certainly know what you're talking about. i've crossed that bridge, so i'll tell you what i did.

first, make your workouts short, but give yourself a lot of time to get through them. for instance, do five exercises that require two sets: bench press, front pull downs, db curls, tricep extensions, leg presses. if you get all worked up with a racing heart, wait it out. go to a stretch mat and do some stretches. when you feel up to it, go back and complete an exercise or start a new one. the important point is to finish the workout. doing so will give you mental ammunition for the following workouts.

hope this helps,
k

Hi K!
Thanks for your thoughts. I like the idea of doing a shorter workout, but giving yourself a lot of time to get through them. That makes great sense! I did go on a bike ride yesterday and while I wanted to push it as hard as I used to prior to anxiety, I turned the corner, rode home, and gave myself time to stretch instead. And I felt fine! So exciting. Thanks again-I might hit the weights and try your suggestion