Aerobic Exercise Recommended for Anxiety

Both my councilor and doctor recommended that I start an exercise program to help with my anxiety/panic.  I have been working with a trainer for the last 5 months.  My biggest fear (and panic/anxiety producer) centers around my heart.  When I exercise vigorously, my heart starts to pound and my heart rate goes up (this is good).  But the feelings freak me out.  After exercise, my heart rate goes back to normal, but I still feel freaked out from the way I feel after exercising.  I know the endorphin release is good for me and the vigorous exercise is good for my health and my heart, but I am having a terrible time with the anxiety after exercising.  I know that feeling energized after a good workout is normal, that the body takes some time to settle back down and the feelings I am experiencing are good, if I could only stop fighting them.  I keep obsessing about my heart, checking my pulse rate all night after coming home and it never goes above 90, but it feels like it is pounding away.  Do anyone else experience this after working out?  How about when you get home and into the evening?  Any suggestions?

[mammo]

You have to realize that nothing has happened thus far, and accept that what you are feeling is normal during and after working out.  I know this is easier said than done, so maybe try some therapy to help you accept that these are normal reactions to exercise.  Just the fact that you can do a vigorous exercise with no problems speaks volumes about how good of shape your heart is in!  You have a good grasp of what and why your heart is doing what it's doing, just not able to not worry about is, so I feel therapy would greatly benefit you.  You're doing everything right....keep up the great job!  Take care.

[Alisonj29]

I think if you can just fight past the feeling again and again it will become less of an issue. Do you have the same problem if you swim? Maybe try and spend an hour in a pool. If you are just casually swimming in a pool it burns 500+ calories an hour so its obviously good cardio. Just push through it like you have and enjoy the benefits.

[jlroesner]

I am so proud of you for just still showing up every day!  Good job!