hope39

Hard to get started exercising...

Posted on 11/09/08, 04:49 pm

I know that exercising regularly would help with my anxiety and other probs but I'm having a hard time getting started. Anybody else (or everyone else-lol) having a tough time getting into a regular exercise routine. Even if I just walked regularly/used a treadmill, I believe my thinking would be sharper and my anxiety and depression would decrease a bit.
Getting moving when I don't feel good is hard but I know I must start MOVING first in order to feel better.

Any ideas anyone?? Or feedback on your process of trying to start exercising or getting back to exercise?

• Reply #1 12/14/08  2:29pm
  
  BeautifulFairy
  I'm doing really bad. Hoping for some ideas too.
• Reply #2 12/15/08  6:03pm
  
  Beaumont
  Endorphines are a class of chemicals that are your body's natural feel-good drugs and pain relievers. Once you achieve a good level of exercise, these substances start to kick in. Even if you're feeling stiff or run down when you first start out, the stiffness, pain, and tiredness will fade quickly as you get into your vigorous workout, whether it's walking, swimming, aerobics, or tennis. If you are one of those people who get frequent headaches, stiffness, or bodily pain, endorphines are the answer - but you must stick with your exercise program, doing it at least on alternating days, to get the endorphine effect. Exercise can be your healthy addiction.
  
  Do you have a workout or exercise partner?
  
  Do you have places to exercise where you feel safe and you feel like you belong?
  
  Exercise doesn't have to be expensive. Start with a good comfortable pair of shoes and clothes loose enough to allow you freedom of movement. You'll want exercise shoes that are a half-size larger than your regular shoes to allow your feet room to flex.
  
  As always, speak with your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program. You will want to know if your cardiac health is good enough, and whether any medical conditions or medications need to be taken into consideration.
  
  Don't work out so strenuously at the start that you give up on yourself because everything hurts or because it was just too difficult. Find the level of exercise that's right for your individual circumstances at this point in your life. If you can only work out one day a week initially, and need the rest of the week to recover, that's fine. Eventually, over the course of six months or a year, you'll work up to the point at which your recovery time between exercise sessions will be shorter, and you'll be able to work out on alternate days with only one day for recovery.
  
  Remember, tailor your exercise to your individual circumstances. It's going to hurt a little at the start, but in the unlikely case that it hurts too much, call your doctor for an exam. Take good care of your body with proper exercise, nutrition, sleep, work, and relaxation, and your body will last longer. You were made for exercise, and you need to give your body the exercise that it wants.

For those of us who have hit rock bottom and have bounced off ready to take on the world again and get going! This group is for ALL members of DS who are committed to exercising in any way possible - a walk around the block or an hour at the gym - or for those who are just thinking about starting to exercise! Exercise can help control stress and is proven to help those with depression - its time to get going yall.