anxiety and exercise

[mugenDA]

Hey just a question for anxiety and panic attack sufferers..do u guys actually go and play sports 2 get ur mind off...because im so traumatized with the panic attacks that I don't even wanna play any sports or run because im scared I don't wanna make my heart race and im scared of the breathing??

[Paxiled]

I used to play a whole lot of playground basketball.  Kept me feeling like I was around people even though I didn't know any of them, and it burned off some of the edge.  When I got too old for that, I took up kung fu for the same reason.  When I got too injured for that (I'm getting old), now I jog as much as my bad knee lets me, do the gym, use the machines.  Whatever I can do.  But really, I always was active, so I didn't do it because of the anxiety.  Because I've always been very active, if I stop, I get all clogged up, so I can't say that it helped as much as just keeps me from completely going to hell.  

[MrGreen]

Only you can change that. Start off lightly and build up to a higher level. Nothing much to begin with. Exercise is good for you. Even just a walk. Just to begin with. or else you will be left sitting there regretting it for years to come. Looking back at what could have been. It still can be. If you want it badly enough to make the efford.

[mugenDA]

Ok thank u..but im juss so scared 2 play I was a very good soccer player....all these clubs and highschools wanted me to play for them but the anxiety doesn't let me...I haven't ran or exercised for like 7 months..and im scared to exercise because im going to el out of breath bad because im not in shape anymore...im just so scared =(

[cnote]

I completely understand you. I with anxiety, suffer from a constant tight throat... (i shouldnt say constant, b/c today I'm having a great day, and no tightness) But besides today, the past month or so I've been having a constant tight throat/throat spasms... and sensitive gag reflex b/c of this... When I excersise it's worse... but I KNOW deep down... no matter how bad it feels... excersise is GOOD for me... and will HELP me.

So when i worked out the other night, my throat got a little tighter... and I felt like I could gag... but I didnt...

So, just try and suck it up... and give it a shot... sometimes facing our fear will defete the fear.

Let me know what happens. Don't worry about your heart... it cant beat any faster. =)

[MrGreen]

During the worst of my panic attacks I player football ( soccer ). It was my release. It felt great to be out on a pitch. Other than that I wasn't even leaving the house. Fit body equals a find mind. Or the other way around. You use up some of that nervous energy. Burn it off. Here was me afraid to go to the local shops and able to travel to play football matches all over Dublin. Just shows what you can do.