Exercise with anxiety advise

[popsy]

Loads of poeple have advised exercise as a really help with dealing with anxiety, i can totally understand the theory behind this.....however, as soon as i start to do any exercise and my breathing starts to become faster (as it should) and i get hot. I immediately associate it with a panic attack as they are the same symtoms. Then i get really lightheaded and frightened, and feel terrible.
I dont see how i can do this exercising thing without the association i have.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Many Thanks in advance.
Charlie x x x x

[samc100]

Could you try something that is not so bouncy and energetic ( but effective!) like pilates or yoga?

I love pilates - it requires my brain to think what I am doing so I do spend the hour focusing completely on that and it's such a lovely calming distraction from the panic. And the breathing techniques are handy.

[milly jones]

pops i walk loads, not too fast if im anx but it really helps empty the mind, or allow it time to think and not worry

take a walk up to my house and ill join u for a coffee and cake lol

love u loads hun

millxx

ps id love to do yoga but am scared of the class situation

[samc100]

Milly - my pilates class has only 6 people in it - the instructor likes to spend time ensuring every person is getting the moves correct.. So check things out in your area - I know lots of yoga and pilates instructors do 1-2-1 sessions. And I know this might sound silly but any Buddist worshipping places near you cos' they often run small classes

[sheba2]

Hi There.

I really understand this problem. Over the last two years I have become more and more imobile. Partly to an arthritic disease but also to my panic and agorophobia. I now don't know whether I can't do things even like walking because of a physical reason or because I am panicking and the symptoms from that are just scaring me. It is so difficult to distinguish between a justifiable reason and panic. I am trying to do a little more each day. Just things like housework etc. I also make sure I don't sit for too long as I get very stiff and also then frightened to move. I think if you did some gentle exercise like walking or swimming and then gradually built up the speed or length of time you should be fine. Also Tai Chi is supposed to be a great work out and not strenuous and very calming but I haven't tried it.

[milly jones]

thanks sam xxx

sorry for taking over ur thread pops lol

millxx