Any gym goers?

[Matticus1983]

I've had my good days where time at the gym actually helps my anxiety and times when I start hyperventilating while working out, then follows the panic that sets in right after I get done from normal workout dizziness. It's been tough lately to even go because I know what will happen. Does anybody have any tips thoughts reflections.? It's ruining something that used to make me feel fulfilled and happy. There are times I drive there and then turn right around and leave.

 

[Izthewiz]

I'm active gym member 2/3 days a week lifting weights and 4/5 times a week jujitsu.
If your Anxiety is causing you more issues try to keep busy by setting a 30 min regimen and make no extra time for really resting.
When I'm at the gym all stress and Anxiety is at the door.
Leave any fear and worry at the door ideally outside your life is best.

 

[Fraser]

Working out usually helps with anxiety (unless it exasperates specific symptoms that I'm worried about, like lower back pain).

I think you need to keep working out, but it sounds like the results of a work out are triggering your fear that you might have a panic attack, which in turn makes you feel more anxiety, which in turn, etc etc (cycles of anxiety!). So I wonder if a technique of preparing yourself for how you will feel after your workout might help. For instance, literally writing down a kind of note to your future self. Something like:

"After working out it is normal to feel shaky and weak and to have elevated heart and breathing rates. This is the result of my workout and a sign that my body is responding appropriately to the exercise. This exercise is improving my health and my mood and the feelings I am experiencing are good for me."

Then, when you are done working out, you pick that note up and read it (more than once if necessary). Maybe even repeat what you write out as a mantra while doing patterned breathing for a few minutes (depending on your level of anxiety). Now I know these kind of things, and actually writing out and reading it, might sound silly or cheesy in the abstract, but in practice drawing our attention to rational and corrective patterns of thought and responses to stimulus are a major part of how we can make progress with health anxiety. The act of writing it out helps to make it more concrete in your mind.

I don't have any formal training in giving advice in these matters, this is just a thought arising from similar things I've seen in CBT therapy.

 

[gadamsgrega2]

My Dr. said to work out even if I'm tired... It helps get that anxiety out... Also, don't do cardio or abs 3-4 hrs before bed as it may cause you to stay awake, keyed up...

 

[bin_tenn]

Not a gym goer, but started working out consistently at home (lifting weights, primarily) for almost two weeks. I can say it definitely makes a difference! I can feel the progress, and I generally feel better. I've been sleeping and eating better, too.

I experienced post workout anxiety for the first several days, but that seems to be gone now. I don't even think twice about how I feel afterward anymore, other than I feel good.

 

[Aries]

I used to go to a small gym they had set up at the office complex where I used to work. If there were more than 4 other people there I would leave.

 

[E.B]

Competitive strength athlete here