Possible exercise anxiety?

[code56]

I love to workout, I also run college track. 5 years ago I got diagnosed with anxiety issues. but I got over it. now 5 years later, I've had a lot of family issues/obstacles to over come. I've become very stressed now. I love to lift weights and now when I'm lifting, as I try to push myself harder, my breath gets short and I have troubles breathing..normally ill take a min or 2 break and get back at it..but sometimes the breathing thing really freaks me out and I panic..bad.. feels like I can't breathe/die...but if I relax it goes away. I do sprints in college, and when ever I finish a run, I get the same feeling... I think most of this is in my head, like I psych myself out... I don't have asthma...but I do have an inhaler.. I never take it tho... do you guys experience this as well or? I really wanna push myself to the limits and see real gym results..but the breathing thing keeps me from going hard.

[mhmmm]

I had the same problem! In college, I was really into working out as much as I could...and pushing myself as hard as I could. when I came home during the summer, I had some family issues and that made me want to just push myself harder when I went to the gym. I noticed changes, but not good ones. My breathing was really bad. And it scared me too. I actually went to the doctor tho... and he checked me over. Nothing was wrong, my heart was good, my lungs looked healthy, and everything was good. He told me to tone it down just a little. Working out is a good thing, espically when you're stressed because it takes your mind off of things and just lets you connect with yourself..but you have to remember that you can also work yourself too hard. Maybe getting it checked out by a professional (doctor), it will make you feel better and not worry so much if there's nothing to worry about. I hope this helped a little:) Have a nice night:D

[code56]

ahh I love lifting, I'm actually studying to be a PT/open up my own fitness gym, but idk, even after like the first set of reps in the gym my breathing is weird. I'm pretty stubborn, I know I should see a doctor...but I'm a worrier and expect the worse ha... I'm trying to compete for physique competitions..but with this stress and such, not helping on losing the bodyfat% =/ mehh

[madmisskelly]

I would try to use your inhaler a bit more to see if that helps.

If not, then a circuit training type workout isn't for you. If it doesn't happen when you are running, then keep the resitance/cardio training to running/sprinting and so on.

Weight training doesn't require circuit training. It helps but is not completely necessary.

How do you feel when you run?

[code56]

ive done jumping rope, just to build some stamina..but when I got short of breathe I stopped..walked around..then I freaked.. I use to always lift hard, then this stress came upon me,and now I'm scared to even lift because I'm afraid of freaking...but everyday I'm in there fighting it.. I think its all in my head.. but idk

[madmisskelly]

Getting your heart rate up is a part of exercise, and getting your heart rate up is a part of burning fat. However, you may need to condition yourself a bit. Try out running, jumping rope, etc and try the vairous calming exercises they teach you in therapy to calm yourself down.

[code56]

Thankyou very much..maybe I need to go back to the basics..back to square one and jus focus on breathing and technique! thanks much!

[madmisskelly]

I have anxiety myself, and I know much of it is in our heads. Mine is me overhtinking so I constantly have to talk myself out of my slump and need to think logically. You need to find your logical stance and keep yourself there when you work out. Find what keeps you grounded.

[code56]

Very inspirational! Lifting is what keeps me away from stress, but with these breathing things while lifting, its not much of a help. Will be out searching what keeps grounded in the gym!

[madmisskelly]

Good for you! That's the thing wiht Anxiety, you gotta out think yourself haha.

[saragee27]

I've done breathing exercises with my vocal coach and yoga instructor and found it helps me immensely with anxiety. Perhaps you could look into something like that?

[code56]

good idea, I started some short 10 minute yoga classes yesterday. breathing was a bit choppy..but I pushed thru, I felt good after!