I need some help and advice. I know that i need to start exercising but my main concern is that im going to get in there and have a panic attack or pass out and no one is going to know what to do and it is just going to be a mess. I get so dizzy when i workout and i know that it is a combonation of being out of shape and the anxiety. I was just wondering if anyone had this feeling too and if it passes once you get into a routine? Im 28 and healthy. I have freaked out in the past this year and had an EKG and an ECCO so the heart is good but my fear is getting the best of me. I just want to get the courage to go for it. I did Jazzercise in the past and it was alot of fun but when i moved to a new town i signed up, they debited my account for 4 months and i never wnt because i was scared to go alone. My mother-in-law went with me when i lived near her. She never had any idea that i was having GAD and panic attacks here and there but it made me feel safer having her there. Please help. I really want to get on with it.

Hello,

I tried curves for woman, it was wonderful, met alot of nice people, and if you go at the same time during the day you get to know the people.
I think you can try it before you commit to anything. I have not been in about 4 months, I need to get back, I felt so much better.
Good luck.
Debbie

I, too used to go to Curves until I hurt my knee. They are very friendly and nice there and it's usually a small group of women. What I'm trying right is just taking the dog out for walk. It's not a long walk yet, but I hope to increase my time out walking. I'm having a really hard time getting motivated without someone to come and get me and make me go for a walk. I'm just taking everything one step at a time.

Hi, I have a pretty good idea of how you feel. I too have gym anxiety. I've had a membership at the Y since '99, and sometimes I do really good, other times, not so much. I got into swimming for awhile, ( I was in the coast guard reserve, and needed to improve my swimming for the unit I was in, that was several years ago), but my biggest problem, whether swimming or in the gym or whatever, I always feel like the others are judging my form or ability, and I know that is rediculous, but a real problem none the less. I have also run a good bit, but that is something you have to keep up, and due to work, I usually slack off. Which brings me to another problem, I am a comfort eater, so if I'm not exercising like I need to, I gain weight, which makes exercising less appealing. I know none of this is really helping anyone, I guess my point is, we are all kind of starting over in the same situation, no matter what your past fitness level has been, or your goals are, we all need to find a way to make it happen. I find I do best when I am motivated by an outside source, that was one reason I had joined the USCG, because I would need to be in good shape for the job I wanted, (yes I was anxious about it) and it worked for awhile, but I've been out for almost 3 years, and kind of need to start over. Not that I am suggesting that anyone go to that extreme. Just have to find motivation. Start slow, go for walks, you would be amazed at how many exercises you can do in your own home, if you are creative.

I have bought 2 different dvd's to work out to at home. I am having to find time and will to do them. It is hard, I fully agree.

I hear you all and can relate to the anxiety you feel in gyms. So, let's turn the tide and focus on what we can do.

On Friday my oldest son wanted to run the 5k in our town. At first I didn't want to participate in the 2k but my 3 yo wanted to "run". So I mustered up my confidence and decided to go. I wound up walking the 2k mostly with my 3 yo on my back. I found myself arguing with myself "people are looking at me"/"no they aren't, they don't care" etc. But you know what, I finished the darn race and I feel good about it.

That pushed me to say okay today is the first day of me walking. So yesterday I didn't have a plan but a friend of mine who walks every day called and we wound up going for a walk on the beach. When I climbed in her car I was actually sweating.

So today while I haven't walked yet I really want to. I don't want to break my two day streak. So I'm getting out at some time today so that I can get a walk in. It's just become that important to me because I've felt good the last two days.

I started excercising regularly in some form or another about 8 years ago and I can say it's helped me alot to keep it together psychologically speaking, but in starting this program, I realized that it's not enough just to do the physical part, I also have to nurture myself mentally as well which is not an easy thing to learn to do but I'm well on my way. Good Luck and stick with it!

Ruymanda

I've been having a really hard time getting motivated to excercise. I'm not into the gym thing so I tried walking. I walked two days in a row before Thanksgiving and then stopped. But yesterday I was babysitting granddaughters and decided to take a walk and pull them in the wagon. I worked up a sweat and really enjoyed being with the girls. I know when I'm with them I always feel better. I am hoping to continue walking on a regular basis, with or without the girls. Wish me luck!

Hey Ruymanda,

My first post here!! (on disc 2)

Quick thought in regards to workouts.....I am quite involved in strength training, though I need to work a little more on cardio training. However, I can tell you from my experience in both types of training that I can almost guarantee you'll never have a panic attack if you are working out REALLY hard.

I train as a powerlifter, and IMO panic/anx. is next to impossible when you are giving high exertion. Obviously, you probably won't train w/ weights at that level, but you could w/ cardio. Rather than doing something slow and boring for 40min, maybe try to go 100% (elliptical, treadmill, bike,etc) for 1 min, and then rest (walk/slow pace) for 1-2min.

This would depend on your fitness level. But my point is, I think if ur mind is focused on going way hard at what ur doing, you won't give yourself the opportunity to bring on a panic attack.

I hope this helps a little!!

..I should clarify, if you do 1min hard/1min easy, you won't make it near as long. IMO, a short cardio session is a good cardio session!! But really, there is a lot of info out there that high intensity exercise for shorter periods may be better for u than low intensity, drawn out exercise.

Hey all - If I may - I think the key is to do whatever you feel most confortable doing. If initially, hopping into the car and going to a gym or even Curves with a lot of other people is too much, then find a friend to walk with. Or, even just get out by yourself and walk for 15 minutes. I did this, pushing myself to do a little more each day. I got an IPod so I can listen to relaxing music while I walk. I feel so energized and accomplish so much more after my mental and physical break from the things on my mind that are slowing me down. I then can face issues with a renewed energy and clearer head.