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weight lifting and panic


21 years ago 0 200 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I agree with Trish, the days I do the heaviest exercise are the days I feel better. I probably get more exercise than most people, I have a small farm and you're always shoveling, hauling, chasing animals, lifting feed sacks and bales of hay. But the days I move 80 bales of hay, or carry 10' 4x4"s back and forth all day, are the days I'm most at ease. While I'm working I notice I never have had an attack, even though the sensations I feel in my body are similar to those in the attacks. My mind focuses on the work, even if it's mindless walking back and forth. And I always have a good night after such a workout. But hey, some days I feel lazy and move as little as possible!
21 years ago 0 1062 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Exercise is one of the things that people with panic disorder often avoid. Usually it is because they avoid the physiological signs of arousal (increased heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath) that are similar to the symptoms of a panic attack. What can happen is that people can start to interpret the normal physiological changes that happen due to exercise as the symptoms of panic. What often seems to work is to remind yourself that exercise causes these physiological changes and that they are exactly the same sensations and changes that you experienced when you exercised before you had panic. You can even do exposure work by gradually working youreself back into an exercise program, rather than trying to jump right back into your old pre-panic routine. So for example, some people start of with a brisk walk around the block, then add 10 minutes on the treadmill, then 10 minutes on the stairmaster, then light weights, etc., gradually working up their exercise plan.
21 years ago 0 364 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Sanju, I dont think that weight lifting itself is causing your attacks of anxiety. Since you feel it the day or two following the workout. You might feel your muscles ache from the lifting and get the what if thoughts. Or what I personally have noticed, is when I do some exposure therapy, rather it being a brisk walk for a mile, or any other achievement, Im on cloud nine the rest of the day. Then a day or two later, seems I get down, little anxiety pops in. I think its the adreneline rush we get, or endorphine release that gives us the natural high, on those good days. And we experience some kind of overload from it, and get puny feeling, since I dont get the continuous wonderful days to get that natural high, or at least I get them. But same as you, few days later, Im back to trying it again. Trish
21 years ago 0 39 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
hi guys...firstly i love this site and i thank all of you,ll for the way you,ll are always there..it really helps..my problem is this..i used to be an excercise freak before i started getting panic attacks...now i dont work out for weeks..but when i,m feeling better i head straight for the gym..but after a couple of days of especially weight lifting i start feeling the panic symptoms comming back..i need help does anyone know for sure if weights has anything to with panic????i dont want to stop lifting weights but if its hindering my progress guess i,ll have to..could it be the weights or just the stress of being active and getting out again..please help..luv,,,sanju

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